Plans To Resettle Mechanics In Calabar Underway - Works Commissioner
By Daniel Bebia
Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo has revealed government's readiness to relocate all mechanic within the State capital to a permanent location known as 'mechanic village.'
The Commissioner made the disclosure when he received in audience representatives of the Guild of Automobile and Allied Technicians of Nigeria, Cross River State Council in his office in Calabar.
Hon. Ankpo said plans were in top gear to ensure the resettlements of all mechanics in the state especially those in the metropolis owing to littering and nuisance they constitute, thereby defacing the metropolis.
"The government of Senator, Prince Bassey is in the business of returning the state to its original Green Master plan and in doing that, plans are underway to ensure the relocation of scrap dealers and mechanics as their activities are counter productive to the materialization of this policy".
The Commissioner who promised to works with relevant stakeholders to ensure speedy allocation, noted that there was need for accurate database of all mechanics in the State.
He noted that accurate database will aid in checkmating operations of automobile and allied industry.
Further, the Commissioner frowned at activities of some unscrupulous elements in the sector who work in liaison with parts sellers to extort unsuspected car owners.
He admonish the group to caution its members to desist from activity capable of creating artificial hike in prices of goods and services. adding that governance is a shared responsibility.
Hon Ankpo who elucidated the need for a Technical Service Workshop to be organized in the state maintained that it will further strengthen capacity of state actors.
The Permanent Secretary, Engr. Godwin Akeke thanked the group for finding it necessary to collaborate with the Ministry, he remarked that with the Vehicle Inspection Unit and Fire Service to the Ministry its will fast track the yearning of group.
He restate the government's Commitment to ensure safety of some mechanic using roadsides as workshops by creating a mechanic village to forestall accident or lost of life.
The State Chairman, Guild of Automobile and Allied Technicians of Nigeria, Cross River State Council, Mr. Archibong Udoh said the essence of the visit was to congratulate the Commissioner on his appointment and familiarize with the office.
He revealed that part of what informed the call on the Ministry was to brief the Commissioner of the guild challenges which includes; need for mechanic village, creating of database for it members among others.
Mr Udoh pledged the guild's unalloyed co-operation and support the government appealed to the Commissioner the plan relocation was done promptly.
