The Akwa Ibom State Government has invested N208.16 billion in both newly initiated and inherited projects as of October 18, 2024, according to Professor Eno Ibanga, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service.
In a press update on Sunday, Professor Ibanga emphasized Governor Umo Eno’s administration’s dedication to infrastructure development, explaining that this expenditure is part of a strategic initiative to enhance and solidify the state’s infrastructure. “Since Governor Umo Eno took office on May 29, 2023, we have made significant strides in advancing infrastructure projects, both those inherited and newly initiated under the ARISE Agenda,” Ibanga stated.
He disclosed that N47.93 billion has been allocated to 36 inherited Federal Government Priority Projects (FGPC), while N4.04 billion has been spent on 51 emergency intervention projects inherited from the previous administration, totaling N51.96 billion for inherited projects.
Additionally, the commissioner mentioned that 61 new projects have been launched under the ARISE Agenda, with some already completed, including the Akpan Andem Market Amphitheatre, Christmas Village Arena, Atiku Abubakar Underground Tunnel, and Goretti Secondary School Road. A total of N151.66 billion has been allocated to 50 ARISE Agenda projects, with another N4.54 billion directed toward 11 emergency intervention projects.
“In total, the current administration has invested N156.20 billion in ARISE Agenda projects. When combined with inherited projects, the overall expenditure reaches N208.16 billion,” Ibanga noted.
He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to completing all road projects from previous administrations and those initiated by the current one, emphasizing that contractors will be urged to meet deadlines as the rainy season concludes.
Regarding the delayed Tabernacle Road project, Ibanga explained that the hold-up was due to the extensive excavation needed, which was hindered by heavy rainfall. “The excavation, which must reach at least 11 meters deep, was slowed by persistent rain this year. If contractors had continued, it could have led to accidents or inferior work,” he clarified.
He also addressed the problem of heavy-duty trucks damaging intra-city roads by using routes not designed for them, which has caused significant wear on Ikpa Road and Uyo Village Road. In response, the government has already awarded contracts for the reconstruction of these roads, extending to Udoette Street.
Ibanga concluded by announcing that Governor Umo Eno will soon inaugurate several key projects, including the 6.97 km Ukpana-Akpabom-Ikwe Road with a 30-meter span bridge in ONNA and Mkpat Enin LGAs, and the 2.45 km internal roads at Block G, Anua Ifa Ikot Okpon Housing Estate in Uyo. “Recognizing the importance of road and infrastructure to the ARISE Agenda, we will continue to make strategic investments that align with our state’s short, medium, and long-term development goals,” he affirmed.
