Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River state has inaugurated 20 kilometers new evacuation road constructed by Lafarge Africa PLC.
The road construction by the cement giant was started in 2010 and spans from Mfamosing-Abiati-Etamkpini terminating at Odukpani junction.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Otu assured that road users, including customers and truck drivers, would be safe while plying the road.
Otu said: "Development comes with implications. When you have a road, the good people would use it and the bad people would also try to use it.
"I want to give you every assurance that the security agencies we have here are up and doing. I am not sure you would have issues on this road, particularly now that the security of the area has been highlighted.
"I can give assurance that both the customers and the trucks, that ply the road would be safe.
"For Cross River government, I want to give you every assurance that we would continue to give you the enablement, strength and enabling environment to expand and succeed.
"I commend Lafarge for taking trucks and traffic out of the town amid road crashes, urged other corporate bodies to emulate the cement company.
"It would have been difficult to have about 200 trucks passing through the town, driving out, amid stress and accident.
"What you have done has taken this whole traffic completely out of town and straight to the road where they are actually looking for as to take things out of the state. I commend you and wish that other Corporate bodies would emulate Lafarge," the stated.
Speaking, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Alade Akinyemi, traced the history of the new evacuation road to 2010 when it started, explaining that the project was suspended due to geo-technical issues.
Akinyemi said the road would improve safety, enhance productivity and drive economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of community leaders, the paramount ruler of Odukpani local government area, HRH Etinyin Otu Asuquo Otu Mesembe VI, commended the government and the company for their efforts in ensuring the project is completed, saying it would boost economic activities.
By Ndifreke Bassey, The Beagle News
