By Dr Ubakeyen Precious Mmarak Udokang
I wish to express my concerns and draw the attention of the relevant government to the pressing need for infrastructural development in Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State. As a concerned citizen of Ukanafun, I am deeply troubled by the lack of basic amenities and essential services that have persisted for far too long, adversely affecting the quality of life of the residents.
For over three decades, our community has been neglected, deprived of fundamental facilities such as good roads, electricity, healthcare, education, security, and reliable transportation systems. We do not have a single bank in Ukanafun. The closest you can enjoy bank services is Abak. This persistent neglect has led to dire consequences, including hindered economic growth, limited access to essential services, and compromised safety and well-being of the residents. The major roads may have received attention, but we still have issues with the internal connecting roads. I have noticed that some of them are being graded.
The absence of adequate infrastructure not only hampers the socio-economic development of Ukanafun but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment, denying our people the opportunity to thrive and prosper. It is imperative that urgent action is taken to address these longstanding challenges and fulfill the basic needs of the community.
Therefore, I urge the local government authority/Chairman of Ukanafun and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize infrastructural development in Ukanafun by:
- Investing in the construction and maintenance of accessible and durable road networks to facilitate transportation and enhance connectivity within the locality.
- Expanding access to reliable electricity to power homes, businesses, and essential services, thereby improving living standards and fostering economic growth.
- Enhancing healthcare services by establishing well-equipped medical facilities and ensuring the availability of trained healthcare professionals to cater to the healthcare needs of the residents.
- Upgrading educational institutions and providing adequate infrastructure, resources, and qualified teachers to improve the quality of education and empower the youth with knowledge and skills.
- Strengthening security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, thereby fostering a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
- Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions and community-based organizations, to mobilize resources and expertise for sustainable infrastructural development projects including a Bank.
It is my sincere hope that this appeal will receive the urgent attention it deserves, and concrete steps will be taken to address the infrastructural deficits in Ukanafun. By investing in infrastructural development, we can unlock the full potential of our community and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to positive action and meaningful change that will benefit the people of Ukanafun
*Udokang sent this from Port Harcourt.
