Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Cross River, Ankpo Edet, says that in spite of meeting decayed infrastructure and empty treasury, the present administration has achieved a lot in its pursuit of urban renewal.

The commissioner, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday, said several road projects were ongoing across the state, particularly in Calabar metropolis and environs.

He said aside from road rehabilitation, some new ones had been constructed, and several other signature road projects would soon be flagged off for construction.

“The level of infrastructure decay we met on the ground was such that I was confused as a commissioner when I went round Calabar upon resumption.

“I am happy to announce that we have done a lot in rehabilitating most of these roads in spite of the Senator Bassey Out-led administration meeting empty treasury.

“Just like we had in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, so were there several unmotorable roads in Cross River North and Cross River Central,” he said.

Mr Pius, however, said since the government was a continuum, the present administration would not abandon any of the road projects inherited from previous administrations.

“These projects are being carried out with taxpayers’ money and so, we will work on them and also not abandon any of those we are working on now.

“You will see the serious work on the parliamentary extension road. We are using this road to be our super highway since the one embarked upon by the immediate past administration didn’t see the light of the day,” he stated.

The commissioner further said the government had adopted concrete pavement in state road construction.

He, however, said local contractors mostly handled the road projects for economic purposes.

“We don’t like capital flight, and these local contractors are doing a tremendous job on these projects,” he said.

The commissioner said the ongoing Obudu airport project would be concluded by May. 

(NAN)