Bakassi, Imoke visits Riverine Areas, Inspects Facilities (23/6/08)

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has toured the riverine areas of the new Bakassi Local Government Area with the view of developing settlements for the displaced persons to ply their trade.

Speaking to newsmen after a boat inspection of some fishing ports, Imoke disclosed that government intends to extend some social services as well as strengthen the nomadic educational system within the area, adding that though a predominantly fishing community, there was need for them to be fully integrated into the resettlement programme as Nigerians.

Imoke, who was accompanied by the Surveyor General, Sur. Raphael Uche noted that though the area is sparsely populated, there is need to upgrade some facilities so as to create a sense of belonging among the people.

On the new Bakassi headquarters, Imoke disclosed that though demarcated area is currently under construction, the pace of work is fast and is carried out in phases, explaining that the area will be inhabited before August 14, 2008 when the ceded part of the peninsula will be finally handed over to Republic of Cameroon.

While some buildings have been roofed, plumbing work commenced, construction work is progressing with the internal road net work being mapped out for the movement of materials to inner portions to accelerate the pace of work.

The Governor later visited the refugees camp at Government Primary School, Ikang where he was received by the Vice Chairman Bakassi Local Government Council Mr. Ene Cobham and the Chairman Sub Committee on the resettlement of refugees Chief Eyo Ita, and inspected the improvised health centre where he was informed that 20 births had be delivered since the refugees arrived two weeks ago while they were in custody of a baby whose mother died while fleeing from Cameroon.

The Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Vincent Aqua informed the governor that the agency has formally taken over the maintenance of the camp from the local government council and commended the council for its continuous support to ensure the refugees were taken care.

At the proposed resettle camp, at Government Model Secondary School, about 200 meters from the primary schools, Chief Eyo Ita said the environment had been cleared and 20 toilets each earmarked for men and women to ensure the camp is devoid of epidemic, adding that kitchens and bath rooms were also being put in place to ensure there is life there.

Ita said though the bore hole which they met there is not functional, arrangements had been concluded to drill another bore hole and install water facilities while a generating plant will be mounted for electricity within a week, as offices have been built for police and members of National Civil Defence Corp to ensure security within the camp.

Government House Press