30/03/2025
LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL ROAD PROJECT: HI-TECH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY ENGAGES ALIGNED COMMUNITIES IN OKOBO
First Media Naija Blog | March 30, 2025
In a bid to facilitate a smooth ex*****on of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project, Hi-Tech Construction Company, the project's contractors, on Saturday March 29, 2025 met with stakeholders from the communities that are located along the corridor of the road project in Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The meeting which took place at the Multipurpose Hall Council Secretariat, Okopedi, had in attendance the Executive Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) George Henshaw, the Paramount Ruler of Okobo, His Eminence, Edidem Ita Okokon (Isonsi 1) the Secretary of Council, Pastor Etim Ibok, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Elder Honourable Ben Oyombio, Supervisor for Works and Transport, Esther Effiong Solomon, Supervisor for Youth Development Sports and Internal Security, Mr. Nse Oluhu, Supervisor for Information and Strategic Planning, Mr. Isaac Okon, Aides to the Executive Chairman as well as representatives from the aligned communities.
Chairman Henshaw stressed the need for collective support to ensure the project's successful kickoff, he listed the numerous benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project to Akwa Ibom State and Okobo, emphasizing its potential to boost economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. calling on all stakeholders to unite behind the initiative. As he addressed the meeting, he underscored the significance of a collaborative effort in driving the project forward.
The Council Boss listed the numerous benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project to Akwa Ibom State and Okobo, emphasizing its potential to boost economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Speaking on behalf of the company, the Public Relations Officer, Barrister Alphonsus Etim who was joined by Engr. Joseph and Surveyor Edidiong, emphasized Hi-Tech Construction Company's commitment to ensuring a harmonious working relationship with the host communities.
"We believe in engaging with the communities, addressing their concerns, and providing adequate compensation for any inconvenience caused by the project," he stated.
"Our goal is to deliver a world-class infrastructure project that will transform the lives of the people in the region, and we cannot achieve this without the support and cooperation of the host communities."
The Company's spokesperson added that the project is a Federal Government Project under the Federal Ministry of Works, and as such, all compensation and evaluation processes are being handled by the Ministry. "We are working closely with the Ministry to ensure that all necessary procedures are followed, and that the rights of the host communities are protected," he explained.
The community leaders, who spoke during the meeting, expressed their appreciation for the company's willingness to engage with the community and pledged their support for the project. They, however, raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of the project and the need for the company to provide adequate compensation to community members who would be affected by the project.
Representatives from the aligned communities, including Odobo Group of Villages, Nsie group of Villages, Eweme Group of Villages, and Issa Okiuso. Group of Villages, were present, comprising village heads, village council chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders, and six other community members.
In response to the concerns raised by the community leaders, Barrister Alphonsus, the Public Relations Officer of Hi-Tech Construction Company, assured them that the project has a thorough environmental impact assessment that will ensure that the project is executed in accordance with international best practices. He also pledged that the company would engage with the community to determine the adequate compensation for community members who would be affected by the project.
Additionally, the company representatives pleaded with the host communities, especially those with crops along the corridor, to urgently harvest them as pecking and opening would begin on Monday, March 31, 2025. This urgent call was made to minimize losses and ensure a smooth project ex*****on.
The meeting provided a platform for Hi-Tech Construction Company to engage with the host communities, address concerns, and outline the project's benefits. As the project progresses, the company's commitment to community engagement and social responsibility is expected to continue, ensuring a positive impact on the affected communities.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project, which spans over 1,100 kilometers, is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation and economic development in the region. The project is expected to be completed in the next five years.
