The perennial gridlock at the ever-busy Odukpani Junction, which serves as the artery into Calabar from the Central and Northern parts of the state as well as Uyo, will soon be a thing of the past as construction of the spaghetti flyover and the first phase of the superhighway, which will serve as a bye-pass, enters the completion phase.
Speaking during a tour of the projects, the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade disclosed that the interchange bridge known as Spaghetti Flyover, will be ready for use before he exits office.
He commended the local contractors handling the project for an excellent job, saying they can compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.
According to the governor, “Elections are over and we are back to work fully. Here, we are standing at the phase one section which is ready for asphalting.
“This Flyover is intended to bypass the Odukpani junction which is a real nightmare for commuters. It takes you straight and empties you into the Odukpani axis of the Calabar- Itu road onward Uyo and Port Harcourt.
“This road has been a nightmare to commuters but it will soon be a thing of the past because the flyover and the dual carriage road constructed by our administration have been done from Calabar up to the point where we are to ease troubles motorists have been facing.
“The project will be ready for commissioning before l leave office, an indication that we are committed to finishing strong.”
Explaining why his administration opted for local contractors for the project, Ayade said: “What is interesting is that the majority of our contractors are locals. This contract is being handled by Faithplant owned by a very hardworking young Cross Riverians and we are working with Zecca, another competent indigenous construction company.
“So this is a special message for Nigerians; indigenous contractors are as good as foreign contractors. All that is required is to award them the contract in the same sum you award foreign contractors”
The governor, his aides and some of the contractors were later feted by his Commissioners at the project site in appreciation of the work done.
