Tony Okoh || Against the backdrop of speculations on the refund of money the past administration in Akwa Ibom state spent on federal roads by the federal government to the state, the state government has denied receiving one kobo in that regard.
Addressing journalists in Uyo yesterday, the state commissioner for works Mr Ephraim inyang Eyen said the federal government owes the state about 140 billion naira from jobs executed by the state on federal projects in the state.
According to him, “Federal Government is owing Akwa Ibom State about 140 billion Naira from genuine approvals granted by them and when we met over the matter they agreed after verifications to pay the first tranche of 70 billion naira pending the completion of other ongoing jobs, but as we speak now not a dime have been refunded.
We are still hopeful as the state Government keep getting assurances from Abuja that the money will be paid. The Governor was able to do so much in the state because of prudent management of resources at his disposal.
The commissioner who said the state urgently needs the refund of the expended funds further intoned,” if we are currently doing 40 road projects in Akwa Ibom State and Federal Government has refunded one kobo to us, we would be doing 80 new roads”.
Speaking on the impact made on the lives of the citizens by the Government through his ministry, the commissioner explained, “In Uyo, the state capital, about 45 roads are ongoing we are doing massive road networks in the city in such a way that you don’t need to come to the major roads to get to your destinations anymore.
We are also remodeling Oro nation, over 8 roads have been done in the first instance called emergency intervention one. When the Governor commissioned the first set of roads, he ordered for a second intervention with an additional 8 roads and massive erosion, intervention in the area.
We hope to commission the second phase during the third anniversary of the Governor’s administration.
Mr. Ephraim Inyang Eyen further highlighted that the state government is intervening in a major ravine in Oron, “which is threatening major households within the vicinity. Go to Eket city today and see from Atabong road up to the post office, you will see the remodeling beauty of the city” he said.
He said the Governor Emmanuel places high premium on quality roads which informs why roads in the state are done with drainages on both sides stressing that the average life span of every road project in the state is 25 years.