BY: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
There was jubilation and joy from family members of communities living along Calabar-Itu road, as the Federal government has commenced payment of compensation to those affected.
As a result of this development, work is expected to commence on the highway.
Already six communities on the Odukpani axis in Cross River of the Calabar–Itu highway affected by the dualisation have received compensation for structures and economic trees.
The communities which span from Odukpani junction include those of Odunyama, Akai Effiwatt, Obot Ekpo, Mbat Odukpani as well as Ikot Okon Akiba and part of Okoyoyong Usang Abasi.
A spokesman for the recipients, Mr Ekpeyong Akiba Ekpeyong confirmed that the consultants for the project, Chika Egwatu and partners in behalf of the contractor Julius Barger Nigeria limited and Federal Ministry of works have concluded the first phase of the payment conducted in the Calabar Municipality council hall.
He disclosed that the ground breaking and demolition of the affected structures will commence within a forth might and that the documentation of the remaining.
Boundary communities in Akwa Ibom has also been concluded as the residents of that axis will also receive their due share in the contract which was awarded in 2017 at the cost of N 54 billion to the construction paints.
He said, “I have been mandated by these six benefiting communities to convey their appreciation to the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping to the promise of proving a face – lift to this strategic road”.
“Already we are aware that the project had since commenced on the Ibiono Local Government Area axis of Akwa Ibom with a spur to link Itam and Idedep while the Coss River axis was put on hold pending the release of adequate funds to cater for the needful.
He conveyed the readiness of the locals and the residents of the affected areas to ensure its positive realization saying that the people are convinced that there are potent hopes that they will be a change in their economic fortunes with the delivery of the promised dividend of democracy.
The spokesman said, “we are confident of benefiting from a durable inter – state link and the greater country because of the calibrate of the contractor chosen to handle the project which means that the federal government is poised to leave a legacy in this part of the country and we enjoin all patriots to rally round so that we can benefit from what all of us will be proud of”.
