Despite the tough economic condition prevalent in the country, Akwa Ibom government has given the assurance that all its ongoing projects would be completed as scheduled.
Akwa Ibom State , a top revenue earner from the Federation Account has seen its finances dropped from a monthly allocation of N25 billion two years ago to about N8 million since early last year.
This has greatly affected the pace of work on a number of road projects including the construction of roads and bridges across the state.
Among the major road projects undertaken by the state includes the construction of a dual carriage way from Uyo, the state capital to Eket, another major road project is the dualisation of Eket- Ibeno road as well as the construction of Etinan-Ndon Eyo road which have all been affected by the dwindling revenue.
But speaking while inspecting some road projects, Ephraim Inyang, Commissioner for Works said the state government is committed to the completion of all the projects including addressing the challenge posed by gully erosion.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel led-administration is going to tackle the gully erosion site and the ongoing road projects headlong in order for us to achieve and enjoy a standard road network in the state,’’ he said.
Inspecting the Etim Ekpo/ Ika roundabout, Inyang displeasure on the way the roundabout was constructed which has led to several car crashes in the area and promised that the road would be expanded to create enough space.
While in Ini local government area, the works commissioner noted that the area has no impact in terms of road infrastructure adding that the Governor would flag-off the construction of Ikpe Ikot Nkon road project in the area.
He attributed the delay in the construction of the road to the dwindling economy and urged the youths in the area to be peace abiding and support the contractors to deliver the jobs on schedule.
On the Abak/Ikot Abasi road which is in a deplorable state, he assured that prompt measures would be taken to alleviate the suffering of motorists who according to him have been complaining about the poor state of the road.
On the payment of compensation to property owners affected by the road projects, said the state government had paid the approved compensation to all demolished structures saying that it was wrong for people to attempt to hold the state government to ransom after they had been paid.
He therefore called for continued support to the state government to enable it deliver on its promises of providing quality infrastructure in the state.
Inspection team includes; the Permanent Secretary, ministry of works, Ifreke Ekpa, alongside directors and consulting engineers.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo
