Julius Berger tasked on speedy completion of Calabar-Itu highway

The senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang has implored Julius Berger, the construction firm handling construction work on a section of the Akwa Ibom axis of the Calabar-Itu Road to speed up work to ensure the project’s immediate completion.

Enang, who was fielding questions on the programme, Change Nigeria Watch on Atlantic FM at the weekend in Uyo, said the federal government remains committed to making Akwa Ibom a better place.

“I must say with respect to Julius Berger, the company handling the road, the speed at which they are doing the construction is not encouraging. They are working, but the speed is not encouraging,” he said.

He continued: “When I drew the attention of the Federal Ministry of Works to this development by the construction company, they sent Engr. Bakare, the director in Charge of the South-South to come in for recognizance, and look at the extent of work they have done given the time they started. The team from the ministry made their report.”

According to him, on inspection of the project where a team of engineers from Julius Berger reaffirmed that the project will be delivered in record.

The presidential aide highlighted that the sum of N11bn approved by the presidency will soon be assessed for commencement of work on the second phase of work on the Akwa Ibom axis stretching to Ibiakpan junction.

He announced that structural adjustment will take place at Oko Ita junction in Ibiono Ibom local government area.

“For Okoita junction, we were thinking of an Interface or overhead bridge. However, subject to technical evaluation, we’ll rather suggest a major roundabout here.”

Director of Federal Highways in Akwa Ibom State, Nkereuwem Ukpong, disclosed that contract for the dualisation of the Abak Ekparakwa – Ete road has been awarded by the federal government.

Officials of Arab Contractors, one of the companies bidding for the second phase of work on the Akwa Ibom axis of the Calabar-Itu Road, were on ground during the assessment tour.

Deputy project manager of the company, Ahmed Hussein, said the firm has commenced initial measurement and evaluation.

According to him, the company will get to work once the procurement process is completed.

The inspection tour started at Obong Itam junction and terminated at the Ibiakpan junction.

Credit: Leadership