Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has directed contractors handling major infrastructure projects across the Calabar metropolis to accelerate work despite the ongoing rainy season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering quality projects within schedule.
The Governor gave the directive on Wednesday during an inspection tour of ongoing road and drainage projects, including the Parliamentary Extension Road and the Cultural Centre renovation, where he assessed the quality and progress of work.
Speaking after inspecting the Parliamentary Extension Road, Governor Otu said he met with the contractor to confirm his readiness to continue construction despite the rains and urged him to intensify efforts without compromising quality.
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According to the Governor, the contractor expressed confidence in continuing the project, adding that the government would provide the necessary support to ensure timely completion while maintaining high construction standards.
Governor Otu expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that residents had welcomed the project positively. He assured the affected communities that the government would address all genuine concerns arising from the execution of the project.
Commenting on the flooding currently experienced in parts of the state, the Governor attributed the situation to the increasing effects of climate change, explaining that prolonged rainfall has significantly reduced the available construction period for road projects.
He disclosed that the state government is exploring the use of more resilient construction materials capable of withstanding prolonged rainfall, revealing that alternative chemical-based road materials stronger than conventional asphalt are currently undergoing laboratory testing.
As part of the inspection, Governor Otu also visited major drainage channels across Calabar to assess the causes of flooding. He observed that while some drainage channels require expansion, others need complete reconstruction to improve the evacuation of stormwater and reduce flooding.
The Governor also inspected the ongoing renovation of the Cultural Centre, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of work and directing the contractor to accelerate construction to ensure the project is completed within the revised timeline.
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Reaffirming his administration’s people-centred approach to governance, Governor Otu said road infrastructure remains one of the fastest ways to improve livelihoods, connect communities, and stimulate economic activities across the state. He added that, alongside infrastructure development, his administration continues to prioritise security and agriculture as key pillars of economic growth.
Governor Otu maintained that adverse weather conditions would not deter his administration from fulfilling its development agenda, assuring residents that damaged roads would be repaired and construction would continue whenever weather conditions permit to ensure the delivery of lasting infrastructure and the dividends of good governance.
