CRSG to extend Monorail to Margaret Ekpo Intl Airport – Ayade
By; Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar.
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 Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has reiterated his determination to extend the facility to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.
He made this known shortly after taking a test ride at the installation point of the facility in Tinapa.
According to him “extending the monorail to the airport, was the panacea to the envisaged congestion of the city centre occasioned by rapid inflow of investments”.
He said the plan will check the impending trend and make access to the CICC and Tinapa from the airport more pleasurable.
He said “this project stands to be extended to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, as the state receives approval certifying the airport for international operations.”
Ayade who was accompanied by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu and other top functionaries of the state, noted with excitement that, “visitors and tourists will be glad to experience Africa’s warmest city on the monorail as they visit from now on, an experience that will remain memorable in their mind as the project is fast becoming a reality.”
With the double couches now mounted and ready to be used, he said, “I cannot wait to have the first ride. Don’t forget that we are bringing the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, other beauty Queens and the international community. They will all take a ride on this facility. After having the first experience entering the monorail, I am pleased that the project is coming on stream and will officially be commissioned very soon”.
He expressed satisfaction at the level of work done so far by the contractor noting that “government is keeping to project agreement.”
The completion of the project will further boost the excitement for this year carnival, he added.
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 Center, and the Tinapa Water Park and provide a quick alternative access connecting Tinapa to Summit Hills.
