•Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
The Cross River State government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering durable and strategic infrastructure that will stand the test of time in line with the “People First” agenda of Governor Bassey Otu.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Pius Edet, gave the assurance yesterday during an inspection of the Aya Bridge on the Obudu–Bekwarra Road and other critical infrastructure projects across the Northern Senatorial District.
Edet, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Paul Bepeh, and a team of engineers, said the inspection formed part of the government’s ongoing assessment of infrastructure requiring urgent intervention to ensure safety, functionality and durability.
According to him, the inspection identified structural defects on the Aya Bridge requiring immediate rehabilitation, reports The Guardian.
He said appropriate recommendations had been made, with the affected section placed on priority to guarantee safe and uninterrupted movement for commuters, farmers and businesses using the corridor.
The commissioner stressed that proactive monitoring, timely maintenance and strategic intervention remain central to the ministry’s mandate of preserving public infrastructure and promoting sustainable development across the state.
Edet said the inspection aligns with Governor Otu’s vision of using quality infrastructure to drive economic growth, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life of residents.
“Through sustained investments in road and bridge infrastructure, the Cross River State Government remains committed to building a safer, more connected and more prosperous state for present and future generations,” he said.
Meanwhile, women under the aegis of Ekpache Nkome Women on Monday protested what they described as the poor quality rehabilitation of Sweet Mother Street in Four Corners, Ikom.
The protesters, who gathered in large numbers, alleged that the project was executed below acceptable standards despite being presented as completed.
They accused the contractor of carrying out substandard work, citing the absence of drainage channels and stone base, inadequate asphalt thickness and signs of early deterioration.
The women called on the state government to intervene and ensure the road is reconstructed to acceptable standards.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs. James Williams appealed to Governor Otu to replace the contractor handling the project.
“It doesn’t end with pouring asphalt, taking photographs and posting them online. The right thing should be done once and for all,” she said.
Williams noted that Sweet Mother Street serves as a major access road in the area and that its poor condition was already affecting transportation, businesses and residents.
She urged the government to ensure quality and durability in road projects across Ikom, stressing that taxpayers deserve value for money.
Also speaking, President-General of Ekpache Nkome, Comrade Bojor Okune, commended the governor for ongoing road rehabilitation in Ikom metropolis but expressed concern over the quality of work being executed.
“The contractors handling the job are the worst we have seen. How can you construct a road without drainage and stone base? We, the people of Ikom, reject this kind of road. The governor’s good intentions should not become a burden for us,” he said.
