Tony Chidi|
Wild Jubilation yesterday erupted in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as Governor Udom Emmanuel flagged off the construction of the 18.97km Abak Ten Road traversing four Local Governments of Uyo, Abak, Essien Udom and Ikono Council areas including over 10 communities.
The road which had been in the State budget in previous administrations will now be constructed by J.P sigmal construction firm with a mandate to ensure quality job according to speculations and timely delivery of the project.
Governor Udom Emmanuel who was represented at the ceremony by his Commissioner for Works Mr. Ephraim Inyang-Eyen said the Government have set aside funds to enable the timely completion of the road without hitches.
Works Commissioner, Inyang-eyen at the commissioning ceremony
He assured those whose property will be affected by the construction of government plan to pay them compensation and warned those planning to erect illegal structures to desist as it will be demolished without pay.
The Governor urged the youths to cooperate with the contractors by ensuring peace and harmony, calling on the contractors to engage the youths where necessary to drive the project.
He said that opening of the road will further expose the arable lands within the communities which could attract investors to the area.
According to the Commissioner, “The Governor promised them when he came here that he will do this road and he has kept his promise. It is part of the larger design of the State road networking and it falls into the design. It will create employment for the youths in the short run as youths of the community will be engaged in the labour force needed during the construction project.
Flag off of the new road project
On his own, the member representing Abak state constituency in the state House of Assembly Elder Friday Iwok said they appreciate the Governor for constructing the impassable but vital road and pray for more dividends of democracy for his constituency. “We will continue our unalloyed support to the Government.
You were here few days ago to commission the fertilizer blending machine and we can still recall that you returned and inaugurate the cassava grinding machine for our women, you have done much our Governor and we are grateful. Abak people will stand by you. This road was impassible and we are happy that hope has come at last. We are happy we are fulfilled. We assure you of total cooperation because this is what we are yearning for.
We are sure the road will be completed sooner than we expected”, he said.