Edith CHUKU
The Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno’s infrastructure drive appears to be gaining momentum following his declaration that the Ikot Ekpene Udo-Ofriyo road and bridge project will be ready for commissioning in six months time.
Eno gave this assurance during on inspection tour on the road and other projects in Nsit Ubium and Eket local government areas on Monday, where he tasked the contractors on faster pace.
The governor revealed the importance of the ongoing project, noting that it would reconnect the state with its neighbouring communities.
Eno said the projects inspection tour became necessary after the July project delivery meeting, to enable him assess the level of work at various projects sites across the state.
His words: “I want the contractor to hasten up, so that by December when we come back we will have a smooth road linking up to Idua road in Eket.
“The inspection became necessary after the July Project Delivery Meeting to enable me personally assess the level of work at various project sites across the state.”
Meanwhile, the contractor handling the road project, Mr Aiman Saimua of Amitec Construction Company, assured the Eno of its commitment to completing the project on schedule, promising delivery before the end of the year.
“We will continue with the Bridge construction, even during the rainy season, but the final asphalt of the road will be immediately after the rains.”
The governor, during his visit to ongoing government projects in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented infrastructure across the state.
The governor also made a brief stop at the Counter Terrorism Unit CTU project, being constructed by Bulletin Construction Company.
He revealed that the project has created employment opportunities for a significant number of Akwa Ibom youths as well as workers from other states of the federation.
Some of the workers who spoke with reporters, Mr. Chima Ezamadu, an indigene of Imo State, and Mr. Declan Akpan from Uruan Local Government Area, both working at the site, praised Eno for awarding contracts that according to them, have provided sustainable means of livelihood for many families.
They described the governor as a leader committed to creating jobs and improving the welfare of the people, adding that work at the site is progressing smoothly.
At the ongoing General Hospital project at Ikot Ekpene Udo, the governor’s hometown in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, being executed by Amitec Construction Company, a chief labourer at the site, Mr. Akaniyene Sunday, an indigene of Ikot Ekpene Udo, said construction work was progressing steadily despite the rainy season.
He thanked Eno for initiating what he described as a landmark healthcare project that has provided employment for many indigenes while stimulating economic activities in the community.
According to him, the project has enabled many villagers to earn a living and support their families during the current economic challenges, while also attracting business opportunities to the area.
Also speaking, Miss Esther Nkanta, a cloth trader from Ikot Ide Ekpe in Nsit Ubium, said the hospital project has boosted commercial activities in the community. She prayed for God’s continued guidance upon the governor to ensure the successful completion of the massive project.
Similarly, a food vendor, Mrs. Aniefiok Ita, expressed appreciation to the governor, noting that the influx of workers to the construction site has significantly increased her daily sales and improved her livelihood.
According to the project layout, the General Hospital sits on a total land area of 8.073 hectares and comprises a hospital complex, gatehouse, mortuary, chapel, four-bedroom bungalow, School of Nursing, School of Health Technology and Biomedical Engineering, male and female hostels, restaurants, powerhouse, one-bedroom and multi-bedroom residential apartments, covering a total building area of approximately 9,878.4 square metres.
Eno also visited the Model Primary School under construction at Ikot Ekpene Udo, where workers commended the administration’s investment in the education sector.
A bricklayer at the site, Mr. Michael Joseph, from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, said the project has provided employment for many youths, keeping them productively engaged and discouraging social vices. He added that the visible development in the area had encouraged many indigenes to return home.
Another worker, Mr. Bassey Lawrence, described the project as a durable and high-quality educational facility, noting that only standard construction materials are being used.
Eno equally inspected the Ikot Imo- Nduo-Eduo Road project in Nsit Ubium and Eket local government areas, where he was told by the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga that the project will be ready for commissioning by September this year.
