The House of Representatives on Thursday mandated the Committee on Works to investigate and identify reasons for the delay in completing the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road which is presently in a deplorable state.
This followed the adoption of a motion titled, ‘Deplorable State of Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene Road’ moved by Hon Ime Okon, Hon. Idem Unyime Josiah, Hon Ukpong-Udo Emmanuel Effiong, Hon. Esset Mark Udo, Hon. Odudoh Uduak Alponsus, Hon. Etteh Okpolump Ikpong, Hon. Ekpo Paul Asuquo, Hon. Patrick Umoh, Hon. Esin Martin Etim and Hon. Clement Jimbo at the plenary session
The lawmakers said that the “House worried that the contract for the rehabilitation and dualisation of the Calabar – Itu – Ikot Ekpene Road was awarded in 2021 to three companies, yet the project has been abandoned, exacerbating the suffering of the citizens and hindering regional development.”
The House noted that the Calabar –Itu – Ikot Ekpene Road is a crucial transportation route connecting Cross River, Akwa Ibom States, and the eastern part of Nigeria, facilitating economic activities, social interactions, and regional development.
It also noted the poor condition of the road has caused untold hardship for commuters, increasing travel time from one hour to five hours or more, and loss of man-hours.
The House was concerned over the adverse impact of the dilapidated road on the economic and social lives of the people in the region, which is not limited to increased transportation costs, and impediment to the movement of goods and services.
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The House said the abandonment of crucial infrastructure projects not only undermines the welfare and prosperity of the people but also reflects the government’s inability to meet their citizens’ needs.
When the motion was put into voice vote by the Speaker Hon Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the Plenary session, it was unanimously supported by members
The House mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.