Gov. Otu commissions 20km new road in Cross River

Cross River Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, commissioned the 20-kilometer new evacuation road on Thursday.

The road was constructed by cement manufacturing giant, Lafarge Africa Plc. The Governor commended Lafarge for investing in the state.

The road, whose construction started in 2010, spans from Mfamosing, extending through Abiati, Etamkpini, and terminating at Odukpani junction.

During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otu assured that road users, including customers and truck drivers, would be safe while using the road.

“I want to give you every assurance that the security agencies we have here are up and doing, I am not sure you will have issues on this road, particularly now that the security of the area has been highlighted.

“I will give everybody assurance both the customers and the trucks that would ply the road that everybody would be safe.

“For the Cross River government, I want to give you every assurance that we will continue to give you the enablement, strength, proper and enabling environment for you to expand and succeed.

Otu, who commended Lafarge for removing trucks and traffic from the town to prevent road crashes, urged other corporate bodies to follow the cement company’s example.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Alade Akinyemi, traced the history of the new evacuation road back to 2010 when it began, noting that it was later suspended due to significant inadequacies in geotechnical studies and design.

“It would have been difficult to have about 200 trucks passing through the town, driving out, amid stress and accidents.

“What you have done has taken this whole traffic completely out of town and straight to the road where they are actually looking to take things out of the State. I commend you and wish that other corporate bodies would emulate Lafarge,” the governor concluded.

He stated that the newly commissioned road would enhance safety, boost productivity, and drive economic growth.

Community leaders and traditional chiefs, represented by the paramount ruler of Odukpani Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Etinyin Otu Asuquo Otu Mesembe VI, expressed gratitude to both the government and the company for the economic benefits the road would bring to the people and neighboring communities.