Ubong Sampson – Uyo
The sum of N79.6 billion has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the reconstruction and dualization of Odukpani–Itu-Ikot Ekpene road.
The said road is the only link road between Cross River and the Akwa-Ibom State and drives through Odukpani local government area of Cross River State, and Itu, Ibiono and Ikot Ekpene areas of Akwa Ibom state, with a diversion into Uyo (capital city) through Itu.
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola made this known earlier today while addressing State House correspondents shortly after the end of a Federal Executive Council meeting presided by President Buhari.
Speaking, Fashola said, the Ministry of Works and Housing had presented a memorandum for the said road project and in relation to the section from Oku-Iboku power plant to Mbak and that is about 26 kilometers stretch.
He noted that the FEC approved the awarding of the job at N79.649bn to be executed over 60 months. This, he said, will help complete the dualization gaps between the one awarded to Julius Berger and the section awarded to CCECC.
The Works Minister also hinted that upon completion of the job, motorists will have an option of a dual carriageway instead of the existing single carriageway.
He added that the contract was approved to address the problem caused by the heavy cargo that passes through that area from the Southern to North Central zones of the country.
Meanwhile, the said road has been cause of concern to citizens of both states who have suffered serious challenges travelling through the road in the last few years.
With the situation usually worsened by the current rainy season, travelers have preferred the option of the sea route by speed boat through Oron local government area in Akwa Ibom state.
