GOVERNOR EMMANUEL COMMISSIONS 9.5KM IKOT EBIDANG ROAD, ASSSURES ON MORE RURAL PROJECTS

Governor Udom Emmanuel
says his administration will continue to pay premium to opening up rural communities with quality roads network to boost the economy and tourism potentials in the state.

Mr Emmanuel who spoke at Onna while unveiling a 9.5km Ikot Ebekpo/ Ikot Ebidang road project that climaxes at a landing Jetty built by his administration in ONNA local government area, said the project is in fulfillment of his completion agenda of rural development.

The project inauguration was part of activities to mark the 33rd anniversary of State's creation, Governor Emmanuel who recalled how deplorable the road was in the past, said he was excited to fulfil the promise he made in 2015 when he flagged off his governorship consultation in the area.

He said his next priority rural project is the link road between nearby Ndon Eyo and the coastal area of Odio in Eket local government area .

The Governor listed rural development as key in his completion agenda for the state, and commended the contractor, Benest Technical Services for delivering a quality job.

"I came here to commission this project to make a statement. In our completion agenda, rural development is a priority. I commend Benest Technical Services for delivering a nice job. This river can take you to Cameroun and other parts of west African countries. This is just a first step. We will try and develop on this jetty facility.

"The whole of this jetty side is going to be further expanded economic activities increase". We are going to encourage a lot of economic activities here".

"Anyone who has a barge and wants to operate here could easily get registered to make use of this facility, instead of having to go through long routes," he said.

The road, executed by one of the foremost contractors in the state, Benest Technical Services, BTS, leads to an ultra modern jetty, also constructed by the same firm.

It links up the East West Road on one side and the council headquarter's road at Abat, on another end.

Welcoming the Governor to the project site, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga, described the quality of the project project as to as impressive.

"Few years ago, no indigene would have believed that the place we are staying today could be accessed with vehicles. The area was totally waterlogged. This area has today been opened up for economic activities".

The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Eno Ibanga said the project opens up the otherwise swampy community of Ikot Ebidang, to economic and tourism activities.

A member of the community and Chief of Staff to the Governor Mr. Ephraim Inyangeyen said he was happy that his people have witnessed the benevolence of the Governor, maintaining that the project

Elder Ben Udobia whose company BTS handled the project said he was appreciative that that the Governor had given local contractors opportunities to also execute turnkey projects.

Udobia who is also the deputy director general of the Divine Mandate, said goods and services from neighbouring countries can also access the communities, adding that before the project was executed, people trekked more than five kilometers before getting to the location of the Jetty.

He said the road is 9.5km,.with 8.5m wide carriageway, reinforced concrete side drains on both sides of the road, reinforced concrete culvert at designated locations, a Jetty, parking lot and shoreline protection.

The Local Government Council Chairman for ONNA, Mr. Imoh Attat, and the House of Assembly Member for ONNA State Constituency,.Rt. Hon. Nse Essien in their goodwill messages described Governor Emmanuel as a promise keeper.

The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, Members of the national and State House of Assembly, State Exco Members, party officials, senior citizens, royal fathers, women and youths, among others.

The Governor later commissioned an ultra modern General Hospital IN Awa, harping on his resolve to turnaround healthcare delivery across the state.

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo
25/09/20