Following the successful installation of all the components of the first ultra-modern monorail in West Africa that spans the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC) to the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has disclosed he is determined to extend the facility to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.
Ayade, who made the disclosure shortly after taking a test ride at the installation point of the facility in Tinapa, said extending the monorail to the airport would be a solution to the envisaged congestion of the city centre occasioned by rapid inflow of investments.
He said the plan would check the impending trend and make access to the CICC and Tinapa from the airport more pleasurable.
According to him, “This project stands to be extended to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, as the state receives approval certifying the airport for international operations.”
The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Ivara Esu, and other top functionaries of the state, noted with excitement that visitors and tourists would be glad to experience Africa’s warmest city on the monorail, as they visit from now on, an experience that would remain memorable in their minds, as the project was fast becoming a reality.
With the double coaches now mounted and ready to be used, the Calabar Monorail project, which was started in 2005 by former governor, Donald Duke, is set to add to Calabar’s offering as a receiving city and tourist haven, and Nigeria’s place of excitement.
The city would again be hosting the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant by next year, and hopes to showcase the monorail as a beautiful offering. Delegates and visitors at the event would take a ride on the facility.
Ayade said after having the first experience entering the monorail, he was pleased that the project was finally coming on stream as preparations to officially commission the project have begun, and the tape would be cut soon.
He said the completion of the project would further boost the excitement of this year’s Calabar carnival coming up on December 27 or 28.
The monorail using an Intamin P8 electric powered passenger shuttle train will move passengers between the CICC and the Tinapa complex, while allowing access to Studio Tinapa, Tinapa Shopping Centre, and the Tinapa Waterpark and provide a quick alternative access connecting Tinapa to Summit Hills.
