Tony Okoh || The Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has advised youths in the state to desist from acts capable of sabotaging government’s effort in addressing the infrastructural needs of the people of the state.
The governor who spoke yesterday through the commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyang-eyen stated this during the inspection of on-going road construction projects in Uruan Local Government Area of the state.
At Anua-Mbak-Eshiet, 19.3 Kilometers road handled by Verini Construction Limited, the governor urged the youths to co-operate with the state government to ensure timely completion of the project.
He said the roads are executed to enhance the movement of goods and services from the rural communities to the urban centers.
Ongoing road projects
The commissioner re-assured the youths that government has compile names of those whose property were affected by the road construction and promised to pay compensation as soon as funds are available
According to him, “we agree that compensation on your property affected by the road construction is yet to be paid but I am begging you to allow the job to continue. We plan to commission this project by May next year. While it is possible to pay compensation in just two days you cannot finish the road within three months.
Commissioner for Works, Mr. Inyang-eyen inspecting ongoing road projects in the State
“We will ensure that all those affected will not lose a kobo during the payment of their entitlement “.
Mr. Inyang-eyen further assured them that the road linking to the source of raw materials for the construction of the major roads will equally be constructed allaying the fear of abandonment earlier expressed by the youths.
He advised the contractor handling the project who had earlier cited the youths harassment as the cause of delay on executing the project to redouble his effort to ensure the road is ready for commissioning before May next year.
The commissioner reassured the youths that he would not betray the confidence and trust reposed in him and urge them to report the contractor the handling the project to his office if he delays in delivering the project.
Ongoing road project
Expressing gratitude to the governor on behalf of the youths of the community, A youth leader of Mbak community, Mr. Paul Effiong, thanked the governor for citing the road project in the community which he acknowledged will open up the area to the outside world
He explained that the road which was a mere pathway before now had been abandoned for over fifty years until Governor Emmanuel’s intervention.