C’River gov orders urgent repair of failed road section
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has ordered immediate repairs on the dilapidated Calabar-Odukpani Road.
- The governor cited public outcry over the road's poor condition, which has become a safety hazard, as the reason for the urgent directive.
- While emergency repairs will provide immediate relief, the administration is also developing a long-term engineering solution to ensure the road's durability.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has mandated urgent remedial work on the severely damaged sections of the Calabar-Odukpani Road, stating that commuter safety and convenience will no longer be compromised by prolonged neglect. The road, a vital artery connecting Calabar Metropolis to Odukpani, Akamkpa, and other areas, has recently drawn significant public criticism due to its deplorable state.
Today, I undertook another round of inspection across the Calabar corridor, with particular attention to the failed sections of the Calabar/Odukpani Road. Seeing the condition of these critical stretches further reinforces our resolve to ensure that our people can move safely and conveniently.
During an inspection tour on Monday, Governor Otu observed firsthand the gully erosion and potholes that have transformed parts of the highway into dangerous death traps. "Seeing the condition of these critical stretches further reinforces our resolve to ensure that our people can move safely and conveniently," he remarked. He has consequently directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to mobilize contractors to the affected areas without delay for emergency repairs.
I have directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to immediately mobilise to the affected locations and commence remedial interventions to restore these failed portions as an urgent priority.
While these immediate interventions aim to alleviate the suffering of residents and motorists, the state government is concurrently developing a sustainable, long-term engineering strategy. Governor Otu emphasized that the administration is committed to solutions that go beyond temporary fixes, focusing instead on resilient infrastructure designed for future generations. "While these emergency repairs will provide immediate relief to commuters and residents, we are equally committed to developing and implementing a more durable, resilient, and sustainable engineering solution that addresses the underlying causes of the recurring failures," he stated.
While these emergency repairs will provide immediate relief to commuters and residents, we are equally committed to developing and implementing a more durable, resilient, and sustainable engineering solution that addresses the underlying causes of the recurring failures.
The governor appealed to the public for patience and cooperation as the government intensifies its efforts to deliver lasting infrastructure improvements across Cross River State. He reiterated that every restored road and executed project is driven by the objective of enhancing the quality of life for the state's residents. "We appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation of our citizens as we work tirelessly to deliver lasting infrastructure that reflects the aspirations of our dear state," Otu added.
We appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation of our citizens as we work tirelessly to deliver lasting infrastructure that reflects the aspirations of our dear state.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.