In the past year, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed significant infrastructure development as Governor Pastor Umo Eno invests over N208 billion in road projects across the state. This ambitious initiative under the ARISE Agenda is aimed at connecting isolated communities, improving local economies, and enhancing transportation in Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas.
For over two decades, residents of Inen community in Oruk Anam were cut off from their local government headquarters, Ikot Ibritam. Despite previous efforts, insecurity and other challenges delayed the completion of an access road connecting Inen with Ikot Akpan Afaha. This project, among others, was inherited by Governor Eno on May 29, 2023, and has since seen renewed efforts toward completion, providing hope to a community long neglected.
Community leader, Engr. Anyanime Umoren, remarked, “While the project was initially championed by former Governor Udom Emmanuel, we remain grateful to the government for addressing the long-standing needs of our community.”
Addressing the media in Uyo, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, highlighted the government’s achievements in road infrastructure. In the past year, Pastor Eno’s administration has launched 61 new road projects in addition to completing inherited projects, marking a total of 112 roads, all implemented under the ARISE Agenda with a commitment to building a more accessible Akwa Ibom.
“We have spent a substantial N208.16 billion to ensure accessible, durable roads for our people,” said Ibanga. He further detailed that N47.93 billion was allocated to complete 36 out of 51 projects inherited from the previous administration, while an additional N4.04 billion was earmarked for emergency road repairs.
As part of the ARISE initiative, several flagship projects have already been completed and commissioned, including the Akpan Andem Market, Christmas Village Arena, the Atiku Abubakar underground tunnel, and Goretti Secondary School road. These projects stand as a testament to the government’s commitment to socio-economic growth through infrastructure.
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“Approximately N151.66 billion has been allocated to 50 ARISE Agenda projects, with an additional N4.54 billion invested in emergency interventions, making a total of N156.20 billion,” Ibanga added.
Significant projects, such as the Tabernacle road, are ongoing despite challenges posed by heavy rains and unexpected usage by heavy-duty vehicles. Ibanga clarified that damage on certain roads, like those in Oruk Anam, is due to high-volume truck traffic originally diverted from a federal highway, not poor construction quality.
In Ikono, the Commissioner announced that a road contract had to be terminated due to the contractor’s inability to meet project management requirements. “Ensuring contractor accountability is crucial,” he stated. “Projects must adhere to technical standards to fulfill the needs of Akwa Ibom residents.”
Governor Eno is set to inaugurate several new road projects shortly, such as the 6.97 km Ukpana – Akpabom – Ikwe road in ONNA and Mkpat Enin, and other internal roads aimed at boosting connectivity in key areas. These projects, along with the governor’s resolve to implement policies supporting sustainable infrastructure, promise a robust future for Akwa Ibom.
Ibanga appealed to residents to respect designated roadways and drainage areas to avoid obstruction, urging citizens to partner in preserving these vital investments. “Together, we can build a resilient, connected Akwa Ibom that serves all its people,” he said.
