…IT IS A WHITE ELEPHANT PROJECT SAYS PARTY STALWART.
By Joseph ETTA in Calabar.
A PDP stalwart in Bakassi, Archibong Ene has described the Bakassi deep sea port as a white elephant project and a drain pipe to Cross Rivers state.
He however expressed mixed feelings over the news and celebration over the OBC certificate for the deep sea project stating that, “the OBC certificate is for the design, build finance, operate and transfer OBFOT of Bakassi Agro Deep Port”
In a chat with Daybreak he observed that it is important to remind those who are rejoicing over OBC that “there was nothing to cheer about, as Bakassi deep seaport is another drain pipe to the state, it has no commercial value to the people. I am not excited about the news of OBC certificate because I know it is not going to solve any economic problem in this state and will not bring any real benefits”.
According to him, the approved OBC is not an achievement, “it is not viable and sustainable as it affects the economy of this state now”. He noted that the Bakassi deep seaport project is not realizable and cannot be completed before the end of Ben Ayade tenure, the Ikang head of fishing berth stressed. “He want to collect the loan and mortgage the future of our youths” critizised the governor.
“It is impossible to finish such a gigantic project in just 3 years” He noted.
Ene opined that following the antecedent of the PDP who rule state they hardly complete gigantic projects, “Donald Duke started Tinapa and left, such noble project needed continuity”.
Ene also a PDP party member, explained that if Ayade will wants to make the economy to work, he should make the Calabar sea port to work. Why not partner with the Nigeria Port Authority to dredged the Calabar port. If ships should start coming to the port to berth, it will stimulate the economy of the state.
Why ships don’t come to Calabar port is because the water is shallow it cannot berth big vessels. It needs to be dredge deep – the port is dormant now because ships are not coming which makes the economy to be dull and static.
He is of the view that if Ayade is looking for what to do for the interest of the state, he should do this and stop embarking on another white elephant project and wasting the meagre resources of this state.
