(http://www.theinfostride.com/images/resized/images/drainage_200_194.jpg) (http://www.theinfostride.com/images/drainage.jpg) Residents of Calabar metropolis will soon have a sigh of relief following the completion of the N2 billion state-of-the-art underground drainage project known as channel 2.
The project which started in 2011, will soon be commissioned by, Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State.
Commissioner for Works, Hon. Legor Idagbo, dropped the hint to news men shortly after inspecting the final lap of the work that led to the blocking of the Maritala Muhammed Highway, Calabar recently.
He contended that the drainage, which is constructed as a concerted effort to check the menace of perennial flooding with attendant loss of lives and wanton destruction of property in the metropolis will also strengthen the over-stretched channel one which was constructed over thirty years ago.
He maintained that governor Imoke conceived the construction of the drainage to save the city from collapse, saying that the project, which is second to none in this part of the country, will address the hazard of flooding experienced in the metropolis over the years.
In his words, "it is in an effort to reduce this disaster that Governor Liyel Imoke despite the lean resources of the state, demonstrated courage and political will by mandating my ministry to commence the project with specification and time line which we have worked to realize".
Mr. Idagbo posited that project which is now at its final point at the Muritala Muhammed High Way, climaxes the completion of the symbolic project, stressing that Imoke will be remember for this giant stride which will bring succor to residents of Calabar.
Special Adviser, Department of Public Transport (DOPT) Mr. Edem Ekong who accompanied the commissioner on the visit, urged commuters to bear with the ministry for obstructing traffic as alternative route has been created to cushion the effect.
He explained that cadets from DOPT alongside men of the state traffic of the Nigerian Police have been mobilized to ensure free flow of traffic around the area.
Some of the commuters who spoke to newsmen on the project, lauded the state government for achieving this feat despite the dwindling financial standing of the state and expressed the hope that when completed, the traffic chaos often experienced on the road each time it rains will be a thing of the past as the high way remains the only gate way to the city.
Via: Cross River State Government - Official Press Release