C’River: Southern forum calls for revocation of Odukpani – Itu road contract from Julius Berger

…wants FG to complete, reward contract to another contractor

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

A pressure group under the aegis of Cross River South consultative forum has called on the federal government to complete the Odukpani – Itu -Ikot Ekpene federal highWay which has caused untold hardship to the citizens of Cross river and Akwa-Ibom States.

The group who hails from the southern senatorial district of cross river state, that spoke to newsmen through its chairman, Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said that the Odukpani – Itu – Ikot Ekpene is a major gateway that links these two States to the rest of the country, has degenerated into a death trap.

” According to them, “the road is riddled with deep potholes, eroded sections and collapsed portions that make movement a nightmare”

They said, accident, injuries and deaths have become a common occurrence on this road, yet the Federal Government and the contractors handling the project continue to show lack of urgency in addressing the crises 

The group maintained that the economic consequences are severe with rising costs of goods and as a direct result of the transportation nightmare.

They accused the minister of works David Umahi for failing to honour his commitment after setting up a tripartite committee to track the progress of the road project and report to him.

They also accused the contractors handling the different sections of the road, including Julius Berger and Sermatech, of maintaining that they must take responsibility for their roles in the current state of affairs.

The group then called for the revocation or termination of the contract and re-award of the same to a company willing to continue construction.