East-West Road Not Abandoned – NDDC

Commissioner representing Cross River in the Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Dominic Aquah Edem, has assured the people
that the East-West road would be completed.

Edem gave the assurance in Calabar in reaction to fears by
some residents of Cross River, that a section of the road to link the state had
been abandoned.

Speaking with our correspondent on Monday in Calabar, he
said that Cross River had now been included in the East-West Road project. Edem
said: “The East-West road project has not been abandoned; rumours to that
effect are incorrect.

“It depends on how you want to approach it. Already,
significant job has been done between Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, the Rivers as well
as Delta states axis.

“Of course, you know, it is an ongoing project. There are
different contractors handling some sections of the road.

“Some contractors have done well, while some are still
battling with theirs.

“You will recall that Julius Berger had to abandon its
section because of what was happening to its expatriate staff at a point.”

“I want to also say that Cross River State has been included
in the project as the road will now pass through Itu-Adiabo-Ikon Eto forest
down to Calabar, the state capital.

“But for the coastal road, it is still on the drawing board
for now. For the roads in Cross River State, work is progressing very well.

Also speaking on the Calabar/Itu/Aba/Umuahia Federal roads
which are in a very deplorable state, the commissioner said: “before the end of
the year, something very tangible would be done.