Deputy Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly, Joseph Bassey has commended the state government for its plan to reconstruct the Calabar seaport.
He made the commendation in an interview in Calabar on Sunday, observing that the seaport would create employment opportunities in the state.
He said Governor Ben Ayade’s vision and commitment to reconstruct the seaport through the Public Private Partnership was worthwhile.
He regretted that several promises made by the Federal Government in the past to dredge the port had not been kept.
“Calabar seaport was one of the first ports built in the country during the colonial era.
“Unfortunately, the port has long been abandoned and this has denied the state a lot of economic benefits.
“The vision of the governor to reconstruct the port should be applauded and given necessary support by everybody in the state.
“I have no doubt that the seaport, when reconstructed, will provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and open up the state for industrialisation,” he said.
The deputy speaker announced that the house had begun the process of passing a bill to facilitate the project.
According to him, the assembly is in support of the project and other projects meant to boost economic activities in the state.
Bassey said that Calabar, being a landlocked area, needed a seaport to open up the state for economic activities.
“We need the seaport as an alternative route to Calabar. We need the seaport so that Tinapa will function effectively,” he said.
He called on investors and residents of the state to support the government to actualise its dream.
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