Reps seek repairs of Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the current state of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene federal road.

The green chamber will specifically identify the reasons for the delay in rehabilitating and completing the road.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during plenary on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Ime Okon from Akwa Ibom, and nine other lawmakers.

The road, connecting the south-south and south-east states, is in a decrepit state, impeding the free flow of traffic and contributing to multiple accidents.

The federal government had budgeted funds for the repair of the road and contractors were mobilised to the site. However, the project was abandoned afterwards.

While moving the motion, Okon said the “poor condition” of the road has caused “untold hardship” for commuters, increasing travel time from one hour to five hours or more, and leading to loss of man-hours.

The lawmaker said 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 legislator said the adverse impact of the dilapidated road on the economic and social lives of the people in the region has increased transportation costs, impeding the movement of goods and services.

“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,” Okon said.

The house mandated the committee on legislative compliance to do the needful.