Work currently ongoing in the damage portions of the road in Cross River State.
STATEMENT ON THE DEPLORABLE
IKOM-WULA-OBUDU AND IKOM-OGOJA-GAKEM (BENUE BORDER) ROADS
I commend the ‘Who is Who in Cross River North’ for their tireless efforts in advocating for the comprehensive repair of federal roads in the Cross River North senatorial district. Their recent letter has significantly bolstered the case for urgent action, aligning with the ongoing efforts of elected officials like myself to bring attention to this critical issue and secure government support for road infrastructure.
I’d like to highlight that during the June 2024 town hall meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Works in Calabar for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project, I brought attention to the deplorable condition of the Ikom-Wula-Obudu and Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem roads. I directly addressed the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, on this issue and have since followed up with multiple correspondences to stress the urgency of addressing these roads’ terrible state.
I am delighted to announce that the federal government has awarded contracts for the maintenance of the Ikom-Wula-Obudu and Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem roads to Jon Paca Investment Ltd and Ryte Reasons Ltd, respectively. However, it’s concerning that despite this progress, the contractors have failed to mobilize to the site or provide updates on the reasons for the delay, which has persisted for months. This lack of communication and action is unacceptable, especially considering the critical importance of these roads to our people.
Consequently, I urgently call on Messrs Jon Paca Investment Ltd and Ryte Reasons Ltd to mobilize to the sites and commence work on the Ikom-Wula-Obudu and Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem roads. Alternatively, I request that they provide a clear explanation of the challenges hindering their progress so we can collectively find solutions. Please note that any further delays will compel me to petition the Ministry of Works to revoke the contracts, as our people’s patience has worn thin. The people of Obudu/Bekwerra/Obanliku federal constituency and Cross River State deserve timely completion of these critical infrastructure projects.
The deplorable condition of these roads has severe consequences for our people, who rely on them as the primary route connecting to the state capital and Northern Nigeria. The breakdown in the movement of goods and services has resulted in motorists being stranded for days, struggling to navigate these roads. Given the federal government’s commitment to repairing them through awarded contracts, it’s unacceptable that this situation persists. The prolonged delays are crippling my constituents economic and social well-being.
Besides, as the festive season approaches, there’ll be increased travel and economic activity, thereby necessitating the urgency to fix these road. We cannot afford to stand idly by while our people continue to suffer and lose lives on these deplorable roads daily. I strongly urge the contractors to mobilize to sites immediately and commence work. However, if there are issues, they should honourably request the revocation and re-award to more capable and committed companies to get the job done.
Hon. Peter Akpanke
Member, Representing Obudu/Bekwerra/Obanliku federal Constituency, Cross River State
