“We Will Support You To Execute This Road Project” – Etinan Council Boss Assures AKS- RAAM Contractor
The Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Honourable Uko Umoh has assured contractor handling rural road project in Etinan of the full support of his administration towards the speedy completion of the World Bank assisted road project.
In a goodwill message at a stakeholders Engagement/ Sensitization on the construction of Ikot Ekan-Ikot Akpanya-Ikot Ebo-Ikot Offiong -Minya-Ikot Eyienge-Ikot Nsung -Urua-Usung Road, the Council Boss said the people of Etinan are happy to receive the project and will do everything possible to support the project for its full actualisation.
He commended the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno for approving the road for the people of Etinan and Uyo local government noting that, after the state government had taken over the construction of Ikot Ekan-Abak road, this other project would have been taken elsewhere.
“We are lucky to have this project brought to our communities, roads bring development, roads boost economy of the people and I am sure this road project will bring development to Etinan Local Governmet Area”
He warned against vandalisation of government property and disruption of government efforts aimed at bringing development to the people. “Northern Iman ward 2 in Etinan will give you all the support you need to complete this project. That is what I can assure you as the chief security officer of the Local Government Area.”
Also speaking the chairman of Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON) and chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo thanked the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno for solving one of the most challenging problems of Ikono Clan in Uyo Local Government Area which has been that of deplorable roads.
He testified of the capacity of the contractor to deliver the road project within stipulated time and charged the people to take ownership of the project.
“Take ownership of this project. It is our project not a World Bank project anymore.
“Let me also say here that not everyone will be CLO in this road project. Support who has been chosen as CLO so that together we can have this road project completed and on time.
Speaking on behalf of AYF Development, the contracting firm handling the road project, Engr Ekpenyong Udo Ekpenyong assured benefitting communities that with the level of co-operation he has so far received from Ikot Ekan community, the road project will be completed in 12 month.
Engr. Ekpenyong also assured the host communities that both skill and unskill labour will be sourced from the communities in line with the local content law.
In response, the Deputy Village Head of Ikot Ekan Chief Enobong Jumbo Mbede assured the contractor and stakeholders that the communities will be fully involved inorder to ensure that their long dream of motorable road comes to reality.
He appealed for a perimeter fence round the government primary school where the road is going to traverse to protect the children from injury or death.
Chief Clement Ekot, Obong Donald Uko, Hon Kufre Ikono and Obongawan Eno Edet Ekwere all applauded the government for remembering their communities in the provision of basic infrastructure that will boost their economic life. They all assured the contractor of a peaceful work environment and asked for a spur 500m to pass through the Ikot Ekan civic centre.
Earlier, the state director of AKS-RAAM Pastor Gideon Akpan commended the people for turning up in large number for the sensitization and engagement.
He said the Ikot Ekan-Abak road was to be constructed by AKS RAAM but was taken over by the state government and applauded the donor Agencies for approving the new road in place of the earlier approved Ikot Ekan Abak Road.
He said AKS RAAM is well established in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development saying their core areas of operations are construction of rural roads and building of market stalls.
Pastor Akpan also hinted that the contractor had been fully mobilized for the job expected to be completed in 12 months.
Ikot Ekan-Ikot Akpanya-Ikot Ebo-Ikot Offiong -Minya-Ikot Eyienge-Ikot Nsung -Urua-Usung Road is a World Bank assisted project with French Development Agency and Akwa Ibom State Governmet as partners.
