By: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar.
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general election in Cross River, Mr. Odey Ochicha has decried the deplorable road infrastructure in the state.
He therefore advised the state government to partner with the federal government to urgently address the situation on all federal roads.
In a statement issued in Calabar, he regretted that the only major highway leading to the state was impassable and had exposed motorists and commuters to an untold hardship.
According to him, the state is too big to rely on a single road network leading to the capital as well as linking it with other states.
He noted that Calabar as the first capital city of Nigeria would have had the best road network in the south south region of the country considering its great policy on tourism.
Ochicha faulted the previous administrations for neglecting the state in infrastructural development as well as road maintenance.
He expressed confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government would be willing to partner with the state government to address the crumbled road development in the state.
“The three federal roads in the state, which includes the Calabar-Itu, Calabar-Ogoja and Calabar-Ikang were in a terrible state of disrepairs, he added “.
While describing the situation as sad and unfortunate, he said we can’t afford to have a one road city as it’s currently the case. A one narrow road leading to Calabar over the years is an apology and should not be so considering the significance of Calabar as the former federal capital of Nigeria and the state as a tourism destination.
“Calabar was the first capital city of Nigeria and so it should be a modern city, but all our infrastructure are crumbling and are in a very terrible state. It appears, we have a governor in Cross River but with no governance in the state. The major roads in the state should at least be dualized after over 56 years of independence and the simple solution is to partner with the federal government” to get these very important roads fixed in order to stimulate economic and commercial activities in the state.
He advised the state government to invest heavily in building roads, bridges and good transport network.
Ochicha said that accessible roads would not only create jobs for the teeming youths, but will also have the potential of stimulating the state’s economy.
“The crumbling infrastructure is impacting negatively on our economy. When our roads are modernized, it opens up the state for more economic activities unlike now when commuters have to pass through two states; Abia and Ebonyi to access Cross River. Good roads will stimulate our economy therefore there should be increased investment on our road development”, he said.
