Chidi Tony, Uyo || The Akwa Ibom State Government has embarked on massive roads construction in the Uyo capital city to improve the road network in the city and de flood the metropolis.
Flood, over time, has been a major challenge to residents of Uyo metropolis. The capital city arguably is synonymous with flooding at the least rain drop.
The State Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen who led a team of Engineers and newsmen to inspect about 44 internal roads within Uyo Capital city and environs currently under construction, disclosed that Governor Udom Emmanuel remains committed to improving the living conditions of the people and ensuring efficient social infrastructure, including good roads to ease transportation, boost commerce and trade as well as, control the menace of flood in some areas of the city.
Mr. Ehraim Inyangeyen inspecting road construction works in Uyo metropolis
Mr. Inyangeyen while addressing Newsmen after the inspection, expressed optimism that, the problem of flooding in some areas of Uyo will be a thing of the past when the roads and drainages are completed and linked up to the major outfall.
According to him, “With such intention, the state government will able to salvage Uyo metropolis and take care of the people in such a way that, when it rains, the people will no longer panic again.
Sadly some landlords built their structures, especially fences on government right of way but Governor Emmanuel would not neglect any community because few recalcitrant people have violated government building laws, we are going to demolish those fences without any compensation”.
He also warned landlords whose buildings are affected by construction to promptly remove their valuable as such building will be demolished and no compensation paid.
Ongoing road construction with drainages
Mr. Inyang-eyen further stressed that,” government can only pay compensation to genuine cases and when developers ignore government city development plans and build outside the plan. I cannot use money budgeted for the road construction to pay any compensation.
“Members of the community wants the road, the government will respect the views of the community and not few individuals who want to use their position to frustrate developmental effort of the governor”.
He said Governor Emmanuel will not relent in ensuring that Akwa Ibom State gets the best infrastructure in keeping with his campaign promises and the industrialization agenda which he remains committed to.
Mr. Inyangeyen assured that the roads will be completed in good time, adding that, Governor Emmanuel will not leave any project he has started without completing it.
A cross section of residents who commented on the development commended the state governor for the good works and pledged their support to the Emmanuel led administration.
One of the almost completed road projects
Some of the roads inspected include Akpaube Close, off IBB Avenue, Ekperi Close by Akpaube, Idak Ukpa Street, off Aka Etinan road, Afaha Atai village crescent road, in lbesikpo by Tropicana, Vision close in Nsukara Offot, Udotong Ubo Lane, Akparen Street and Nung Atai Street.
Others are, Ibiono Lane, Unit D line in Ewet Housing Estate, Ediye Samuel Street, off Edet Akpan Avenue, Akpan Ndem Street by Ewet Housing Estate, Unit G Line in Ewet Housing Estate, Eden Udo Close and Oniong Offot Street.
Several other adjoining Roads within Shelter Afrique housing estates, Ewet Housing Estate and osogama Estate were also inspected with 14 new roads being constructed in the areas.