N' Assembly Decries Poor State of Calabar-Itu Fed Highway

National Assembly

Members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works have condemned the deplorable state and slow progress of the Calabar–Itu federal highway, calling it a national emergency that requires urgent government action.

During a recent inspection of the Cross River section, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akinola Alabi, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress and performance of some contractors.

He criticised the decision to switch the project design from asphalt to concrete, which has caused significant delays, and noted that many contractors lack the necessary technical expertise to complete the work.

“Even the portions already completed in concrete are not impressive. Not all contractors can handle concrete roads. In exception, HITECH has not done badly with its assigned section.”

Alabi hinted that the joint committee would convene a public hearing to summon all contractors, the Ministry of Works, and relevant stakeholders to account for the project’s delay.

“We need a national emergency on this road. As a parliament, we will invite every contractor, the ministry, controllers, zonal directors, and the minister himself. This road is a lifeline between Cross River and other parts of the South-South. We cannot keep quiet while Nigerians suffer daily on it,” he stated.

This highway is a vital transport corridor in southern Nigeria, linking Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States, and facilitating the movement of goods between the South-South and South-East regions.

Source: THE GURADIAN