Cross River state governor, Professor Benedict Ayade, commissioned Odukpani to Calabar dual carriageway and the Odukpani Junction Flyover barely 48 hours before leaving office.
The flyover, aptly named ‘spaghetti’ due to its design, is expected to address the perennial gridlock experienced by motorists and commuters on the ever-busy Odukpani Junction.
The junction serves as the entry into Calabar from the central and northern parts of the state and Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.
The construction of the flyover commenced in 2017 and has been the subject of controversy.
According to civil society groups, the project had been shrouded in secrecy while over N40 billion has been budgeted for it.
“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,” an excited Governor Ayade said.
Governor Ayade also gave kudos to the indigenous company that handled the project.
Cosmos Ezeme, a resident of the state, wrote on the Facebook page of the governor:
“This is one project that made me love Ayade unconditionally. The essence of governance is to solve the problems of the masses. For this project, I score Ayade ahead of Duke and Imoke. God bless you, sir!!”
Igelle Ernest wrote:
“Considering the state of that road years ago, our outgoing governor deserves to be applauded on this project.”
Asegem Emmanuel wrote:
“Congratulations, Your Excellency. You have done so well. If Jesus was labelled with stories and finally killed, then how much more we human beings? Please don’t be distracted by the enemies of progress. We are so proud of you, Your Excellency.”
News.ng gathered that the contract was handled by Faithplant Construction Limited, owned by a young Cross Riverian alongside another indigenous firm, Zecca.
