Governor Otu to Compensate Property Owners Affected by Railway Project
In a recent stakeholders conference held in Calabar, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to adequately compensate property owners affected by the proposed Railway project.
The conference aimed to bring together all stakeholders and provide them with an opportunity to contribute their input.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. David Odey, Governor Otu pledges for full cooperation of property owners along the Railway routes to ensure the timely completion of the project.
The Railway project is a crucial measure implemented by the state government to address the transportation challenges faced by passengers traveling across the state.
As the emerging tourism and business hub in Nigeria, Cross River State is determined to address the transportation deficit to attract more investments.
The Railway project, which will span from Bakassi to Obanliku, is designed to pass through almost all the local government areas, with stopover stations in Ugep, Ikom, and Ogoja.
Ealier in the week, Governor Otu announced that the state government is set to take delivery of four new aircraft within the next two months.
This addition to CallyAir, soon to be renamed CannanAir, aims to cater to the air transportation needs of passengers and boost businesses within and beyond the state.
ESV. Imo Ekanem, the CEO of Grand Litora, responsible for the Tinapa through Obudu Railway Project, assured the people of Cross River State that security along the rail would be a top priority. He pledged to implement security measures at every rail station to ensure the safety of passengers.
Ekanem also outlined a timeline for the project, stating that it would reach Yakuur Local Government Area within 18 months. He expressed his gratitude to Governor Otu for approving the project and assured the government of his commitment to completing it within the specified timeframe.
Speaking at the conference, Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cohbam, enumerated the numerous benefits of the railway transportation project upon completion.
These benefits include bridging the transportation gap, reducing costs, improving efficiency, creating job opportunities, and connecting the various units of Cross River State.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba Esq, stressed the governor’s vision for the state and his determination to reposition the transport sector and the economy.
Added that the stakeholders engagement is a step in the right direction and commended the project handlers for providing clear timelines to ensure a successful outcome of the Railway project.
The conference brought together community leaders, members of the host communities, and other stakeholders.
