Ikom-Obudu-Ogoja-Gakem Road: Mobilize To Site Or Risk Revocation, Lawmaker Chides Contractors

 

Google picture of the condition of Ikom-Wula-Obudu road

The Member representing Obudu/Bekwerra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke has chided the contractors handling the general maintenance of the Ikom-Wula-Obudu and Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem federal roads in the Northern part of Cross River State for failing to mobilise to sites months after being awarded the contracts.

Hon. Peter Akpanke 

Akpanke, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant, Media, Awade Friday, asked the contractors to urgently mobilise to site and start work or risk facing petition requesting the revocation of the contracts.

In the strongly worded statement, Akpanke said that the contracts for the general maintenance of the Ikom-Wula-Obudu road was awarded to Jon Paca Investment Ltd while Ryte Reasons Ltd  got the contract for the Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem road. 

The lawmaker who commended the 

'Who is Who in Cross River North' for their tireless efforts in advocating for the comprehensive repair of federal roads in the state recalled that, in June during a townhall meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Works for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project, he further drew the attention of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi to the state of federal roads in the state and has followed up with series of appeal to underscore the urgency.

"I'd like to highlight that during the June 2024 town hall meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Works in Calabar for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project, I brought attention to the deplorable condition of the Ikom-Wula-Obudu and Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem roads. I directly addressed the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi on this issue and have since followed up with multiple correspondences to stress the urgency of addressing these roads' terrible state.

I am delighted to announce that the federal government has awarded contracts for the maintenance of the Ikom-Wula-Obudu and Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem roads to Jon Paca Investment Ltd and Ryte Reasons Ltd, respectively. However, it's concerning that despite this progress, the contractors have failed to mobilize to the sites or provide updates on the reasons for the delay, which has persisted for months. This lack of communication and action is unacceptable, especially considering the critical importance of these roads to our people.

Consequently, I urgently call on Messrs Jon Paca Investment Ltd and Ryte Reasons Ltd to mobilize to the sites and commence work on the Ikom-Wula-Obudu and Ikom-Ogoja-Gakem roads. Alternatively, I request that they provide a clear explanation of the challenges hindering their progress so we can collectively find solutions. Please note that any further delays will compel me to petition the Ministry of Works to revoke the contracts, as our people's patience has worn thin.  The people of Obudu/Bekwerra/Obanliku federal constituency and Cross River State deserve timely completion of these critical infrastructure projects", the statement reads in part.

The Legislator added that "the deplorable condition of these roads has severe consequences for our people, who rely on them as the primary route connecting to the state capital and Northern Nigeria. The breakdown in the movement of goods and services has resulted in motorists being stranded for days, struggling to navigate these roads. Given the federal government's commitment to repairing them through awarded contracts, it's unacceptable that this situation persists. The prolonged delays are crippling my constituents economic and social well-being".

He maintained that "besides, as the festive season approaches, there'll be increased travel and economic activity, thereby necessitating the urgency to fix these roads. We cannot afford to stand idly by while our people continue to suffer and lose lives on these deplorable roads daily. I strongly urge the contractors to mobilize to sites immediately and commence work. However, if there are issues, they should honourably request the revocation and re-award to more capable and committed companies to get the job done".