By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade has assurred residents of the state of his willingness to complete the interchange bridge, popularly known as Spaghetti Flyover at Odukpani Junction, which would be like a corridor to exit from Calabar, the state capital to Ikom and Calabar Itu Road, before the end of his administration, which terminates in May 29.
Ayade gave tbe assurance during a tour of his projects sites on Monday in Calabar.
The state chief executive averred that the perennial gridlock experienced frequently by motorists at Odukpani Junction during the exit and entry into the state capital would become a thing of the past, adding that construction of the spaghetti flyover and the first phase of the flyover will serve as a bye-pass, is at a moment in the completion phase.
He lauded the indigenous contractors handling the project for an excellent job, and thanked them for being able to prove those mettle and living up to expectation, competing favourably with their foreign counterparts.
He said, “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.
“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 Riverian 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.”
