By Onwa Ekor
In a bid to transform the city’s commercial landscape while modernizing trade infrastructure in the state, Cross River government has entered into a pact with Mesotho Group, for the construction of an ultramodern International market, in Calabar.
At the ceremony which was through a public-private partnership, the Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Duke, applauded the group for emerging the preferred bidder after a rigorous selection process, assuring them of government’s full support.
“By the grace of God Almighty, we have been able to sign the agreement for the construction of Calabar Ultramodern Market.
“This has been a vision of this government since the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, assumed office,” Duke said.
According to her, the market will provide modern facilities designed to improve the trading experience for both buyers and sellers.
She disclosed that within the next two years, Calabar will have an international market with all the facilities a modern market should have, including a jetty, top-notch security, and a water view, maintaining also that, “this will create a clean, organized and safe environment for traders and shoppers.”
The Commissioner added that the market, when operational, would put an end to the popular Watt Market, which has continued to be an eyesore in the beautiful city of Calabar.
The market, according to the details of the pact, will be sited at Esit Ebom community in Calabar South, with over 40 plots already secured for the project and dedicated sections allocated for various traders, in line with the standard of an orderly, modern marketplace.
Speaking on behalf of the State Ministry of Justice, the Permanent Secretary, Orok Okon, described the pact signing ceremony as the culmination of a long journey.
“Today we have put pen to paper and sealed the agreement under the PPP arrangement, we look forward to Mesotho Group doing their part, while we provide an enabling environment and all that is required from government to ensure this arrangement works.
“I trust that the agreement and its timelines will be adhered to, and at the end, we will be grateful to the governor who made this possible,” he said.
Managing Director and CEO of Mesotho Group, Jerry Joseph Damara, informed that the firm specializes in market development, even as he called for maximum support from the state government.
His words: “We are coming from Abuja to a new terrain and your cooperation will ensure that the market works efficiently for everyone.
“This project is not just for high-class traders; it is for ordinary business people, including those selling fish and other everyday commodities,” Damara said.
He commended the state government for its resilience and focus in driving the project, affirming that such commitment will be beneficial to the people of Cross River and investors alike.
