Charles Esther
The Federal Government has given approval for the payment of compensation to landowners in Awi and other communities within Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
These compensations are for lands affected by the ongoing construction of the Calabar–Lagos Coastal Highway, specifically at the Section 3A/3B axis.
Landowners Verified and Documented
According to Engr. Yinka Onafuye, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, the landowners have already been identified, verified, and properly documented.
He explained that other necessary processes are currently in progress before the actual payments will be disbursed.
Forested Area Minimally Affected
Section 3A/3B of the project, which represents the starting point from the Calabar end, is largely a forest zone.
As a result, no residential buildings were demolished when the contractors opened up the highway axis.
Underground Water Challenges Slow Work
Speaking about the project’s challenges, Onafuye confirmed that underground water has been a major concern.
The situation has been worsened by heavy rains that raised water levels and slowed down construction progress.
Contractors Raise Concerns Over Timeline
The controller assured that the Federal Government remains determined to complete the coastal highway project within 36 months.
However, contractors working on the site expressed doubts about meeting the deadline due to difficulties caused by rocky terrains, persistent rainfall, and surging underground water.
An engineer at the site, who preferred anonymity, explained that the combination of underground water and continuous rainfall has significantly delayed progress.
