GOV ENO SETS DECEMBER DEADLINE FOR IKOT EKPENE UDO-OFRIYO ROAD/BRIDGE PROJECT

GOV ENO SETS DECEMBER DEADLINE FOR IKOT EKPENE UDO-OFRIYO ROAD/BRIDGE PROJECT

…inspects ongoing hospital,school projects in Nsit Ubium

Akwa Ibom state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has expressed optimism that with the pace of ongoing work, the Ikot Ekpene Udo – Ofriyo road and bridge project will be ready for commissioning by December this year. Governor Eno spoke while on a tour of the road and other projects in Nsit Ubium and Eket local Government Areas.

He recounted with nostalgia, the historical ties between the people of neighboring communities expressing the belief that the project will reconnect them “I want the contractor to hasten up, so that by December when we come back we will have a smooth road linking up to Idua road in Eket”.

The Governor explained that the inspection became necessary after the July Project Delivery Meeting to enable him to personally assess the level of work at various project sites across the state.

Meanwhile, the contractor handling the road project, Engr Aiman Saimua of Amitec Construction Company, assured the Governor of its commitment to completing the project on schedule, promising delivery before the end of the year.

“We will continue with the Bridge construction, even during the rainy season, but the final asphalt of the road will be immediately after the rains”, Engr. Saimua assured.

The Governor who visited other ongoing government projects in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented infrastructure across the state.

The Governor had earlier made a stop at the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) project, being constructed by Bulletin Construction Company.

The project has created employment opportunities for a significant number of Akwa Ibom youths as well as workers from other states of the federation.

Speaking with reporters, Mr. Chima Ezamadu, an indigene of Imo State, and Mr. Declan Akpan from Uruan Local Government Area, both working at the site, praised Governor Umo Eno for awarding contracts that have provided sustainable means of livelihood for many families.

They described the Governor as a leader committed to creating jobs and improving the welfare of the people, adding that work at the site is progressing smoothly.

The Governor also inspected the ongoing General Hospital project at Ikot Ekpene Udo, his hometown in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

The project is being executed by Amitec Construction Company.

A chief labourer at the site, Mr. Akaniyene Sunday, an indigene of Ikot Ekpene Udo, said construction work is progressing steadily despite the rainy season.

He thanked Governor Umo Eno for initiating what he described as a landmark healthcare project that has provided employment for many indigenes while stimulating economic activities in the community.

According to him, the project has enabled many villagers to earn a living and support their families during the current economic challenges, while also attracting business opportunities to the area.

Also speaking, Miss Esther Nkanta, a cloth trader from Ikot Ide Ekpe in Nsit Ubium, said the hospital project has boosted commercial activities in the community. She prayed for God’s continued guidance upon Governor Umo Eno to ensure the successful completion of the massive project.

Similarly, a food vendor, Mrs. Aniefiok Ita, expressed appreciation to the Governor, noting that the influx of workers to the construction site has significantly increased her daily sales and improved her livelihood.

According to the project layout, the General Hospital sits on a total land area of 8.073 hectares and comprises a hospital complex, gatehouse, mortuary, chapel, four-bedroom bungalow, School of Nursing, School of Health Technology and Biomedical Engineering, male and female hostels, restaurants, powerhouse, one-bedroom and multi-bedroom residential apartments, covering a total building area of approximately 9,878.4 square metres.

Governor Eno also visited the Model Primary School under construction at Ikot Ekpene Udo, where workers commended the administration’s investment in the education sector.

A bricklayer at the site, Mr. Michael Joseph, from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, said the project has provided employment for many youths, keeping them productively engaged and discouraging social vices. He added that the visible development in the area had encouraged many indigenes to return home.

Another worker, Mr. Bassey Lawrence, described the project as a durable and high-quality educational facility, noting that only standard construction materials are being used.

Governor Eno equally inspected the Ikot Imo- Nduo-Eduo Road project in Nsit Ubium and Eket local government areas, where he was told by the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga that the project will be ready for commissioning by September this year.