John Uwan-Enoh, the minister of state for industry, has commissioned work to start the reconstruction of the Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim Road in Cross River.

The 23-kilometre road, which previous contractors abandoned, connects Ikom to the four government-owned cocoa estates established in the 1960s by the then Eastern Region.

The road also connects the popular Agbokim Waterfalls and the border to Cameroon.

Speaking during the ceremony at Ikom, Mr Uwan-Enoh commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to reconstruct the road through the Niger Delta Development Commission.

He said the federal government had also begun the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which would benefit the state.

The minister thanked the NDDC for its intervention in reconstructing the road, describing the gesture as well-intended.

Mr Uwan-Enoh urged residents of the communities along the project route to support the contractors by securing the equipment.

Daniel Ajunwa, NDDC director for Cross River, also stated that the road was conceptualised in 2012 but witnessed delayed implementation.

“After carefully considering the importance of the road, it was re-awarded to Faith Plant Limited and Rhema Vision Construction Company,” he said.

He urged the contractors to ensure thoroughness and commitment in the implementation of the project, saying, “We expect it to be completed in 12 months.”

Mr Ajunwa said that the commission would monitor the project adequately to ensure compliance with specifications.

“We shall be returning in two weeks time for inspection. We urge the affected communities to protect the equipment and support the contractors to do a good job,” he said.

In his remark, a traditional ruler in Ikom, Okim Manyor-Ojong, expressed the readiness of the community to support the contractor.

(NAN)