The Akwa Ibom State Government has revealed that over N208 billion has been invested in road projects within the past one0 year. According to the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, this sum covers both inherited projects from the previous administration and new initiatives launched under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking during a press briefing in Uyo, Prof. Ibanga, flanked by Information Commissioner Barr Ini Ememobong and Prince Akpan Ikim, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, explained that N47.93 billion was spent on 36 inherited projects. An additional N4.04 billion was used for emergency road interventions.
“Governor Umo Eno has injected N47.93 billion into 36 inherited projects and N4.04 billion into 51 emergency interventions. This brings the total spending in this category to N51.96 billion,” Ibanga stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that Governor Eno’s administration has initiated 61 road projects under the ARISE Agenda within the past year. Several of these projects have already been completed, including the Akpan Andem Market, the Amphitheatre Christmas Village Arena, the Atiku Abubakar Underground Tunnel Drainage, and the Goretti Secondary School Road.
To date, the state government has released N151.66 billion for 50 new ARISE Agenda projects and N4.54 billion for 11 emergency interventions. This brings the total expenditure on ARISE Agenda projects to N156.20 billion.
“In total, the state has spent N208.16 billion on both inherited and newly initiated projects as of October 18th, 2024,” Prof. Ibanga confirmed.
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He acknowledged that economic challenges such as inflation and adverse weather conditions have delayed the completion of some projects. However, he assured that major roads, including the Uyo Village Road, will be commissioned between December and January.
“The government has awarded contracts for the construction of Uyo Village Road and Ikpa Road, which will stretch up to Udoette Street. We are committed to easing the traffic burden faced by commuters as a result of ongoing construction,” Ibanga said.
Prof. Ibanga also addressed concerns over the damage caused by heavy-duty trucks using intra-city roads, which were not designed for such heavy traffic. He urged truck drivers to adhere to designated routes to prevent further road damage.
Looking ahead, the Works Commissioner announced that Governor Umo Eno will soon inaugurate several key road projects, including the 6.97km Ukpana-Akpabom-Ikwe Road with a 30-meter span bridge in ONNA and Mkpat Enin LGAs, as well as the 2.45km internal roads at Block G, Anua Ifa Ikot Okpon Housing Estate, Uyo.
Other major projects set for commissioning include:
– 3.6km Ikot Obio Offong-Nung Ukana Road in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA
– 10.5km Mkpat Enin-Ikot Ubo-Ikot Ntot-Nkikara Road in Mkpat Enin/Ikot Abasi LGA
– 22.75km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ibritam Road with two bridges in Oruk Anam LGA
Prof. Ibanga appealed to Akwa Ibom residents to remain patient, assuring them that the state government is fully committed to providing much-needed infrastructure. He also urged the public to refrain from making unauthorized alterations, such as speed breakers, on newly constructed roads, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper channels through the Ministry of Works.
