…pace of work aligns with 36months deadline – Ministry
By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR
Despite daunting terrain of hills, valleys, swamps and relentless rains, HITECH Construction Company is pushing determinedly on Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River State, with strong assurances that the 30-kilometre rigid pavement project will be delivered within the 36-month timeline.
The company, handling the Cross River portion of the flagship infrastructure project, has already achieved kilometres of Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) within the first year of mobilisation.
Work proceeds round-the-clock in critical sections, backed by sufficient equipment and unwavering support from the Federal Ministry of Works.
Reagan Ekpenyong, HSE Coordinator for HITECH, explained the challenges and the firm’s proactive measures:
He said :” The terrain was very stressful, a lot of hills, a lot of valleys that we needed to cut and fill. It was a long stress for us because we needed to cut the unsuitable and bring the suitable material.
“We have ensured safety compliance here.We built enforcement so that we ensure everybody here is safe.”
“The company has deeply integrated host communities, employing over 400 locals out of a 600-strong workforce — more than 80 per cent from surrounding areas.
“Communities in Odukpani LGA Akampka have been actively involved, with trainees operating equipment and the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) participating in operations.
“We involve over 400 from the communities,most of them learn a lot of work here ” Ekpenyong said
The project Director, Engineer Jihad Kojok was emphatic on HITECH’s resolve: “We are facing , many challenges but we believe there is no challenges that can stop us.
“We have to continue the work for the benefit of Nigeria, for the people of Nigeria,this is our goal; to reach the completion of this project for the benefit of the children of the next generation of this country.
Kojok highlighted extensive community engagement: “We hire from the communities here more than 70% from our staff.
“Once we notice any community with problem or challenges, we try to provide them such services; like borehole for portable drinking water , access road.
Nggossips reports that compensation issues were settled before construction began, with no disruptions from the nearly 14 communities along the stretch spanning Odukpani to Akamkpa. Chiefs and paramount rulers cooperated fully, providing lists of workers.
Quantity Surveyor Mustafa Ayuba detailed additional hurdles: “We faced hills.
“We faced mountains. And we faced a lot of rivers here too, in terms of cost implication.
“We needed to introduce hardcore due to rain, we will have a lot of washouts.The swamp has been giving us issues, but we are pressing on.
“So far so good, we are going to meet the 36 months dateline by the grace of God,” he said
Site Engineer Ramzi Bouhadir outlined the technical process on the swampy ground: subgrade preparation, layers of hardcore (up to 70cm in wet areas), stone base, cement stabilization, prime coat, reinforcement and finally CRCP concrete.
He noted weather as the main constraint but confirmed night work on concrete sections.
On the Human impact: Lives already transformed
The road is already delivering tangible benefits even before completion.
Lawrence Effiom Okon from Akamkpa Local Government, now working with HITECH, said his life has changed drastically: “100%.
“It has affected me 100% because before now I’ve been at home Now at least we are going home happily. Everything is going very well, My children, my wife,they are eating,” he said.
Friday Asuquo from Odukpani Local Government, working in the HSE department and a community member, expressed delight: “For now, the farmers, the people living here, are enjoying a very robust economy.
“I want to extend my appreciation to our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and also for the contractors, HITECH Construction Company.The contract is going smoothly. They are working twenty-four hours.”
A supplier from Akwa Ibom, also benefiting from the project corridor, simply said his life has changed “with a better salary, good, being healthy.”
Ministry backs quality and local content
Assistant Chief Engineer with the Federal Ministry of Works and Supervisor for Section 3B, Engr Itam Patrick, expressed satisfaction with progress and standards
“As we speak, we have achieved about 4.5 kilometres of the finished pavement up to CRCP level all this in the space of one year, they’ve have been able to achieve this massive progress with different levels of work on the whole 30 plus kilomoters stretch.
“So I don’t have any doubt that the contractor will not finish the project at the estimated time.”
On quality, Patrick said: “You can see for yourself the quality on ground already… they’ve done perfectly well
He commended HITECH’s local content adherence adding that about “80% of the workforce is the locals.
“In terms of local content, the company has really done well. They’ve kept to the instructions, the locals are being carried along since they are the major beneficiaries of the project
Patrick clarified material sourcing: suitable materials are obtained within the project corridor and local government, not from distant locations.
The Federal Ministry of Works continues active supervision, ensuring compliance with approved designs and specifications.
Design adjustments, such as reduced median width and single barrier as directed by the Minister of Works, have been implemented while maintaining core standards.
Nggossips reports that both the federal government and HITECH are demonstrating both capacity and commitment to deliver this transformative infrastructure on schedule, bringing lasting economic relief and connectivity to Cross River and beyond.
Article ‘Coastal road changed lives; children return to school’, indigenes recount Live On NgGossips.
