Gov. Bassey Otu (Centre) and his Deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey (R) during the projects’ inspection on Thursday.
By Anietie Akpan
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has justified the N46 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) that accrued to the state within 18 months with a splash of road projects in Calabar metropolis.
For the first time in decades, several long-neglected suburbs of Calabar are witnessing a major infrastructural revival as Governor Otu, on Thursday, inspected ongoing road projects within the Calabar metropolis and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
The governor in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, toured key project sites, including Edim Otop, Mbukpa by Ambo, Ikono Street by Lincoln Street, Etinyin Abasi Street, Otomo Street, Goldie by Ekong Nyong/Nyong Ekong Streets, and several adjoining roads. He commended the contractors for their diligence and adherence to timelines, describing the transformation as impressive.
“The last time we visited, we could not even access this area due to the terrible road conditions. Seeing this level of progress is truly commendable. The contractors are doing an excellent job, and we are right on schedule,” Governor Otu stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s ‘People First’ agenda, the governor emphasized the significance of these projects for communities that had been overlooked for decades.
“Some of these areas have not felt government presence in over 30 years, but now all that is changing. Once these roads are completed, we will install street lighting, and you can imagine the impact that will have on residents and businesses,” he added.
The governor also highlighted a notable shift in property value and public perception of the areas. “We are already seeing the impact—signboards that once read ‘For Sale’, now say ‘Not for Sale.’ That tells you how much of a difference these roads are making,” he observed.
While commending residents for their cooperation, Governor Otu urged them to take responsibility for maintaining the drainage systems to prevent flooding and ensure a cleaner environment.
He also predicted an economic boost in the area, saying improved infrastructure would attract investment and economic activities.
Hon. Bassey Antara, Councillor representing Ward 2, Calabar South, described the governor’s intervention as unprecedented, saying, “this place has been abandoned for decades. We have never seen this level of development here before. The governor is opening up the entire axis, and we are grateful”.
Lucy Kalu, a petty trader and resident of Goldie by Ekong Nyong Street, echoed similar sentiments, noting that such infrastructural development had not been witnessed in the area for the past 15 years.
Giving his company’s assurance, the Chief Executive of Faith Plant Global — contractors handling the projects — Evangelist Michael Asuquo, said the jobs are being executed in strict compliance with contractual agreements.
He further promised that barring any ‘force majeure,’ the projects would be completed within the next 60 days.
With construction progressing rapidly and plans for modern amenities, including street lighting and improved drainage, Governor Otu’s administration is reshaping Calabar’s urban landscape—one community at a time and one can see clearly where the tax payer’s money is going to, the release added.
