Work has commenced on a section of the Itu – Calabar federal highway linking Akwa Ibom and Cross States following the continued deterioration of the entire stretch of the 120- kilometre road.
Already, part of the road from Ididep in Ibiono local government area to Itu local government area is nearing completion.
Ita Enang, senior special assistant to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, has, however, regretted that the funds allocated for the Calabar-Itu road in the 2021 would not be enough to sustain the project
He said the Federal Government was considering sourcing funding from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Sukkuk Bond to finance a substantial part of the project next year.
Enang spoke on Tuesday while inspecting a four-kilometre section of the road already completed by Julius Berger Plc.
He commended the company for the quality of work done, adding that the standard was in accordance with the design by the federal ministry of works and housing.
“This is the portion which has been completed by Julius Berger; it’s only about three to four kilometres of the 22 kilometres that they have completed both sides with the pavement. Not that nothing has been done, just that they haven’t completed it.
“We appreciate the quality of the road, if you see the width and everything is according to the designed by the federal ministry of works and housing, and they have completed it according to standard.
“I want to assure that the rest of the project would be funded from the next budget.
“There is money in the 2021 budget, but it is not to take the project far. What we’re anxious to commence is the aspect of the road that was awarded to CCECC which they are yet to begin because we are yet to mobilise them.
“We are trying to get funds from the NDDC, Sukkuk Bond and of course, other sources to be able to complete the project” Enang said.
