The Akwa Ibom State Government says it has spent N208.16 billion on infrastructure projects since the inception of Governor Umo Eno’s administration in May 2023
Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga who made the disclosure in Uyo at the weekend highlighted the administration’s dual approach to funding both inherited and newly initiated projects under the ARISE Agenda.
Professor Ibanga revealed that N51.96 billion has been injected into 87 inherited projects, including N47.93 billion for 36 FGPC projects and N4.04 billion for 51 emergency intervention projects. Additionally, the administration has allocated N156.20 billion towards 61 new ARISE Agenda projects, further driving the state’s infrastructure expansion efforts.
Among the ARISE projects already completed are the Akpan Andem Market, Amphitheatre Christmas Village Arena, Atiku Abubakar underground tunnel, and Goretti Secondary School road. “These projects reflect the governor’s commitment to rapidly expanding infrastructure to serve our people better,” Ibanga stated.
The commissioner provided updates on major ongoing road projects, including the Tabernacle Road, where work was delayed by unprecedented rainfall and the lack of an August break. “The 11-meter-deep excavation was halted to prevent accidents or substandard work, but we are now pressing ahead with swift progress,” Ibanga assured.
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In response to the challenges faced by commuters due to the construction, Ibanga acknowledged that heavy-duty trucks ignoring diverted routes worsened road conditions on intra-city roads. He announced the government’s immediate award of contracts for the construction of Uyo Village Road and Ikpa Road, which had suffered significant damage.
He hinted that Governor Umo Eno is set to inaugurate several key road projects in the coming weeks, including the 6.97km Ukpana-Akpabom-Ikwe Road in ONNA and Mkpat Enin LGA, the 2.45km internal roads at Anua Ifa Ikot Okpon Housing Estate, Uyo, and the 10.52km Mkpat Enin-Ikot Ubo-Ikot Ntot-Nkikara Road.
Prof Eno listed additional projects scheduled for commissioning to include; the 9.76km ancillary roads in Nsit Ubium LGA, the 4.95km Ekparakwa-Ntak Ibesit Road in Oruk Anam LGA, and the 22.75km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ibritam Road in Oruk Anam LGA. Ibanga called on citizens to participate in these upcoming events.
On maintaining existing roads, the commissioner emphasized the importance of routine upkeep and urged residents to avoid constructing on waterways and installing speed bumps. “We are already addressing potholes and have contracted two companies, alongside AKROIMA, to handle repairs once the rains stop,” he noted
As the state prepares to ramp up road infrastructure work with the end of the rainy season, Ibanga reiterated the government’s determination to complete all inherited and initiated projects. “We understand the critical role of road infrastructure in achieving the ARISE Agenda and will continue to make investments that drive long-term growth,” he concluded.
