Coastal highway: FG warns against erecting new structures for compensation

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Federal Government has admonished communities along the Coastal Highway routes not to erect new structures along the route with the hope of getting compensation.

This is as it warned that compensation would not be paid to people with such ulterior motives.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, gave the warning at the stakeholders meeting held yesterday in Calabar.

The Minister pleaded for the co-operation of the people of the Cross River State, especially along the Coastal Highway routes, to enable the government to deliver the projects.

According to the Minister, “If you delay the project you will delay the funding, don’t go and build on the road so that you will get compensation, there will be no compensation.”

Speaking further, Senator Umahi announced plans to hold indigenous contractors conference to encourage the patriotic ones among them because the attitude of expatriate contractors is becoming worrisome.

The Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu who was represented by the deputy governor, Peter Odey said that the state government will give the Federal Ministry of Works maximum cooperation to ensure the completion of the project.

In his own remarks, the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita said that the coastal highway is a testimony that the government cares for the people.

He called on all the stakeholders to support the Minister of Works to complete the project.

In her speech, Senator Florence Ita Giwa thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Senator (Engr) David Umahi as the Minister of works.

She appealed to the Minister to ensure the completion of Calabar -Itu and Ugep roads.