By Esseh Ikora
The people of Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state and Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia state have commended Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state for embarking on the construction of Ini-Arochukwu Road hich had been abandoned 104 years ago.
Residents of the border communities of the two states who trouped out to welcome the governor’s inspection team lead by the Commissioner of Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, expressed gratitude to the state government for embarking in the road contract.
A trader from Arochukwu Mazi Bernard Okoli, told newsmen that they have suffered for over one century as a result of lack of means of transportation.
“This road has been abandoned for over 104 years. The road begins from Odoro Ikpe community, traverses Ikpe Ikot Nkon, Nkana and Obotme all in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa ibom and terminates in Arochukwu in Abia State.We are happy that God has finally answered our prayers through governor Emmanuel.
A community leader Apostle Udeme Offiong, who spoke on behalf of Ini Youth Congress(IYC) said ,”The once impassable road is now open up for commerce and other activities after 104 years as a bush track. The Akwa Ibom state governor Udom Emmanuel deserves more than a second term”.
The state Governor initiated the construction of the road last year through partnership understanding with Peculiar Ultimate Construction Limited with the mandate to complete the project before May this year.
Governor Emmanuel called on community leaders of Ini and Arochukwu to cooperate with the construction company to ensure speedy completion of the project.
The road which has side drains and 110 meters span bridge the works commissioner said was targeted at boosting commerce, trade and interstate relations with the neighboring Abia state.
At Awa Iman – Asong – Ikot Edim – Ikot Emem road covering Onna and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas, the Works Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the level of progress on the 12 kilometres road with side drains handled by VKS Nigeria Construction Limited.
The works commissioner who made a stop over at the site of the 6.4km Nto Edino Ekwere azu road which is constructed with two 45m bridges in Obot Akara local government area of the state, urged the contractors Seyen Nig ltd to link the two bridges to ease movement of goods and services in the area.
He pledged government support to ensure timely delivery of the projects.
At the 5.1 internal roads construction, Akwa Ibom state university Obio Akpa campus, the commissioner promised to pay compensation to property owners who have been affected by the ongoing road expansion in the university community to enable the construction work to progress without hitches.
