C'River South Consultative Forum Wants More Proficient Approach for Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Highway Project
By Ebi COLLINS
Calabar, November 28, 2023 - The Cross River South Consultative Forum, in a recent appeal to the Honourable Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, has underscored the crucial need for expertise-centric decision-making in the ongoing reconstruction and dualization of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway. The Forum expressed concerns over the technical challenges faced by SERMATECH NIGERIA LIMITED, the company handling the most complex section of the project.
Highlighting SERMATECH's lack of experience in managing intricate swamps and constructing major bridges, particularly the challenging portion from Ikot Nyong in Odukpani, Cross River State, to Oku Iboku in Itu, Akwa Ibom State, the Forum urged the Minister to consider revoking the contract.
According to Eyo Nsa Ekpo Esq., Hon Joseph E. Etene Esq., Prof Emmanuel Eyo Esq, Hon Victor Okon, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, Hon. Ada Charles Egwu, Rev James Anam, and Hon Ani Esin, key figures in the Forum, "The section awarded to SERMATECH NIG. LTD is indeed the most difficult part of the project with a web of intricate swamps and five (5) major bridges which SERMATECH NIG. LTD has no expertise nor pedigree to handle." The Forum stressed the importance of assigning the project to a company with proven competence in tackling challenging terrains and intricate engineering tasks.
The Forum cited SERMATECH's previous projects, emphasizing the failure of the Goodluck Jonathan By-Pass in Cross River State within three months of construction. The statement called for a more competent company to take over the challenging section, ensuring the successful completion of the project and the safety of road users.
In response to the situation, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has initiated immediate palliative measures to alleviate the challenges faced by commuters. Engineering experts within the Forum have echoed the need for a swift contract revocation, emphasizing the safety hazards posed by the current state of the road.
