Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities across the state to improve access to markets, schools and farms, as part of efforts to boost economic activities and lower the cost of goods.
Governor Eno stated this during an inspection of the ongoing bridge and road project linking Ikot Ekpene Udo community in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area and Ofriyo community in Eket Local Government Area, describing the infrastructure as critical to enhancing connectivity and movement of people and services.
The Governor explained that improved rural road networks would not only ease transportation challenges for residents but also facilitate the movement of farm produce and other goods to urban centres.
According to him, the bridge project linking two local government areas remains strategically important, stressing that government officials, consultants and contractors are closely monitoring the work to ensure timely delivery.
Governor Eno, who recently emerged as the governorship flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said the nomination represents a greater responsibility and a motivation for more hard work and dedication to governance.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the project and urged the contractors not to relent in delivering quality work within the agreed timeline.
The Governor also reiterated that contractors handling government projects in the state are paid based on Interim Payment Certificates, IPCs, generated from verified work completed.
The Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, said government is maintaining strict supervision of the project to ensure compliance with specifications and schedules.
He disclosed that the project consists of a 120-metre bridge and a dual carriage road stretching about 2.4 kilometres between Ikot Ebrenudon and Ndonfiong communities, adding that it would significantly improve traffic flow and socio-economic activities in the area.
Also speaking, the contractor, Faysal Harb, appreciated the Governor for the confidence reposed in the construction company and assured that quality and speedy delivery remain priorities.
Harb disclosed that more than sixty percent of the bridge foundation work has been completed, while work on the road and drainage systems has also recorded significant progress.
He expressed optimism that the bridge project would be completed by September.
By; Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo.
