Works, Infrastructure commissioner assures Cross Riverians of quick execution of state mega projects
Given the seeming air of uncertainty over the recent ground breaking ceremony for the construction of $350m railway project flaged-off by Governor Bassey Edet Otu in partnership with Rinehoole Ltd., Engr. Pius Edet Ankpo, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure has disclosed that major contractors to execute the Grandito Rail-way will soon arrive the Tinapa Terminus site to commence work.
Engr. Ankpo while reacting to a popular private Radio Hit 95.9 FM station news programme on Sunday August 25th 2024 said the Granlitora Rail-way project is not a scam but a sincere plan by Governor Bassey Otu to ease and shorten travel time from Calabar to Obudu via the 265km railway project.
In addition, he said since the ‘People First Mantra’ of Prince Bassey Otu’s vision is to complete ongoing projects initiated by his predecessor which include the Obudu international passenger and cargo airport and the Bakassi deep seaport projects, the railway will enhance the evacuation of goods from the Obudu Cargo Airport having already raised the sum of $3.7 billion loan to complete it. This according to him would compliment the existing Bebi airstrip at the Ranch Resort.
Ankpo said that the state government has secured a $3.5 billion funding from the Pan-African Multilateral Financial Institution-Afrexim Bank in Cairo, Egypt for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project and the contractors are soon to arrived in the state to commence work.
He appealed to Cross Riverians to give time and cooperate with Dr. Francis Ntamu, Chairman Steering Committee for the Integrated Bakassi Deep Seaport project to succeed in his task of navigating the Blue and Marine subsector of Nigeria’s economy to transform that of the state.
And doubling down, he said while the ongoing Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport inherited from the previous administration could begin operation this year, Bakassi Deep Seaport and Grandito Railway projects may be completed for take-off in three to four years period respectively.
These projects are expected to revolutionize transportation in the state as well as enhance tourism thereby contributing significantly to the economic and social well being of the people of the State.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
