As part of a strategic initiative to alleviate traffic congestion in Calabar, the Cross River State Government has unveiled plans to construct a 4,000-capacity trailer park in the capital city. This announcement was made by Mr. Ekpenyong Cobham, the Commissioner for Transport, during an interview with InfoStride News in Calabar.
The proposed trailer park, designed to accommodate 3,000 to 4,000 trailers, will be developed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The facility aims to address congestion issues while providing essential amenities such as a hospital, hotel, spare parts, mechanic village, and warehouses.
Cobham highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the project, stating that it would generate both unskilled and skilled employment opportunities during and after construction. Additionally, he emphasized that the park would contribute to the decongestion of Calabar’s city center, promoting orderliness and urban revitalization.

“The park will have three large warehouses, a hospital, a hotel, and a mechanic and spare parts village, among other facilities. It will create opportunities for investment in Cross River and encourage other stakeholders to consider investing in the state,” explained the commissioner.
In conjunction with the trailer park project, the Cross River State Commissioner of Transport outlined several new transportation policies aimed at enhancing the overall transport system in the state. Among these initiatives is the construction of designated bus stops along major roads in Calabar. The commissioner emphasized that this measure, coupled with a color-coded system for public transportation, seeks to improve the aesthetic appeal of the capital city while promoting orderliness and security.
“Various bus stops on the Calabar carnival routes will be completed in the next few days, with others to follow suit. Our goal is to instill a culture of orderliness in public transportation by urging commuters to utilize the designated bus stops. The color code system will enhance security in the city and address issues such as bus diversions and theft from commuters. We are mindful of the current economic challenges and will provide a reasonable time frame for implementation,” Cobham explained.
Furthermore, the commissioner revealed plans to streamline ticketing processes for public transportation within the state. He acknowledged the complexity of the current ticketing system, citing issues such as duplicity, high charges, and enforcement challenges. While acknowledging the need for caution in reforming these processes, Cobham expressed the state government’s commitment to addressing these multi-faceted issues.
“Ticketing problems are multi-faceted, characterized by duplicity, high charges, and enforcement challenges. We are working to streamline these processes, but it requires careful consideration. Our approach will be mindful of the complexities involved, and we will ensure a thorough and gradual implementation,” he stated.
In summary, the Cross River State Government’s initiatives, including the construction of a trailer park, establishment of bus stops, introduction of a color-coded transportation system, and efforts to streamline ticketing processes, collectively aim to enhance transportation infrastructure, foster economic development, and create a more organized and secure urban environment in Calabar. InfoStride News will continue to provide updates on these developments as they progress.
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