Akpabio’s vision

By Israel Umoh

IT won’t be difficult for Governor Godswill Akpabio to concentrate on other infrastructure. But as a man with a deep conviction for the transformation of a civil service state to a private-sector driven economy, he has decided to start with the provision of excellent road network.

Of course, road development is a cardinal policy thrust of the present administration. About N83.6 billion is put to build 293 Kilometres of inter-city and urban roads in the state. A successful completion of these roads would accelerate the growth of the proposed Ibaka seaport, LNG project, Galleria plaza together with Akwa Ibom International Airport still under construction.

The roads once characterised by potholes, stagnant water and overgrown weeds would soon be history because construction work has begun above 30 percent level. A critical appraisal shows that works on some of the urban and inter-city roads such as the Nkim Itam to Ikot Oku Ikono Road from Abak Road roundabout to Itam have reached advanced stage. The contracting firms are buckling up to beat the 18- 24 months completion deadline given them by the government.

Peace Column is in high gear. The road with poor topography and undulating hills is being dualised by a reputable construction company- Julius Berger at a contract sum of N20.9 billion. The road has been graded; laterite poured at Ntak Inyang, while sharp corners are cut, laterite poured and the road from Odiok to Nkim Itam fillled. The company’s supervisor (earth-road), Mr. Uwe said about 3.5 Kilometres from Nkim Itam Junction to Pepsi depot has been worked and the company intends to deliver quality job.

Work on Abak-Ikot Ekpene Road is given phenomenal speed. Still handled by Julius Berger, the project costs N6.4 billion. Though some houses trespassing into the road had been marked “x” for demolition, the road has been graded. At a stretch in Ukana Iba, the road has been stone based while Ukana Ikot Ntuen has been filled. Like bees, the company’s staff and machines work tirelessly to complete the 25-kilometre road and handover within the stipulated 24 months.

Most Ikot Ekpene urban roads have reached advanced stage. Stemco Nigeria Limited, handling the the 21.3- kilometre of 25 roads at N6.3 billion is not resting on its oars. About eight roads including Queen and Etok Ebe Streets as well as Alderton and Chubb Roads have been given asphalt while drains are on-going. With less than 24 months to finish the job, the company has cut, poured laterite and properly filled Ito, Adadiaha, Cardinal Ekanem and Metro Roads. Though rains seem to delay work, the Lebanese-owned company now housed by Ministry of Works and Transport, Ikot Ekpene has the technical know-how to do the job.

Afaha Obong- Etim Ekpo- Urua Inyang- Iwukem Road, another abandoned road that suffered neglect by the successive administrations, is on-going. The road that bore resemblance of soldiers’ trench is now freely plied by vehicles, courtesy of the Godswill Akpabio-led administration. Handled by the famous Setraco at N9.9 billion, the road is 45 kilometres including a bridge with erosion and swampy areas. A passer-by view shows that the road has been bulldozed and graded while a large portion up to Midim has been cut and filled. Not long, the road is expected to be cynosure of eyes as the dizzying erosion sites and colonial bailey bridge at Utu Etim Ekpo would be a thing of the past.

The University of Uyo internal roads that hauled pools of water and bumps are being given a new touch mostly Sampson Udo Etuk Drive and some internal routes have been given asphalt while others are stone based.

In Oron, residents were appreciative of the present administration. Some snaky, erosion-threatened streets such as Ibo, Etim Inyang, Iyamba, Namoba and Udesi, among others handled by Jojein Vent Limited now wear new look. According to Governor Akpabio, the essence is to open up Oron and make it a tourist destination. “With new roads, many people would build hotels and engage in other businesses to attract tourists to the area”, the governor reasoned. A total of 34 roads totaling 21 kilometres worth N5.2 billion are to be constructed in the area by three different companies.

Ikot Abasi, one of the economic hubs of the state is equally experiencing road revolution. Contracts worth N3.8 billion had been awarded for the construction of 8.1 kilometres of 13 roads and are being handled by three contracting firms. As at the time of unscheduled visit to Ikot Abasi Urban, are of the firms, White Cider Company Limited that has less than 18 months to complete its project had graded Akpan Udo Ekpo, Udoh ette and Uko Ekong roads. The company’s project manager, Michael Nehme assured that the roads would be completed on time.

Governor Akpabio’s vision for road development in Akwa Ibom State basically is to open up the hinterland to allow for movement of persons and vehicles as well as evacuation of goods and services to the urban centres.

Of importance too is the need to attract prospective investors to the state. By so doing, the state would become not only an industrial and tourist giant but also an employment provider for the jobless in the state and the country.

Umoh wrote from Etinan, Akwa Ibom State.