The Akwa Ibom State Government has invested N208.16 billion in both new and inherited infrastructure projects as of October 18, 2024. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, during a press briefing on Sunday. The commissioner emphasized that the expenditure reflects Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to infrastructural development under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
According to Professor Ibanga, since Governor Umo Eno took office on May 29, 2023, the state has made significant progress in advancing projects aimed at expanding and improving infrastructure. “The expenditure is part of a strategic effort to expand and consolidate the state’s infrastructure,” Ibanga stated.
The commissioner detailed the allocation of funds, revealing that N47.93 billion has been spent on 36 inherited Federal Government Public Corporation (FGPC) projects, while N4.04 billion has been used to address 51 emergency intervention projects from the previous administration, totaling N51.96 billion for inherited projects.
Under the ARISE Agenda, 61 new projects have been initiated, with several already completed, including the Akpan Andem Market Amphitheatre, the Christmas Village Arena, the Atiku Abubakar underground tunnel, and Goretti Secondary School Road. The state has so far spent N151.66 billion on 50 ARISE Agenda projects, with an additional N4.54 billion directed toward 11 emergency intervention projects.
“In total, the current administration has spent N156.20 billion on the ARISE Agenda projects. Combined with inherited projects, this brings the total expenditure to N208.16 billion,” Ibanga explained.
He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to completing all inherited road projects, as well as new ones initiated under the current administration. Ibanga also stressed that contractors would be pushed to meet deadlines, especially as the rainy season ends.
Addressing the delay in completing the Tabernacle Road project, Ibanga explained that deep excavation work, recommended to be at least 11 meters, had been hampered by heavy rainfall, which could have led to accidents or substandard work if it had continued during the rainy season.
He also raised concerns about the damage caused by heavy-duty trucks using intra-city roads not designed for such traffic, particularly on Ikpa Road and Uyo Village Road. In response, contracts have been awarded for the reconstruction of these roads, including stretches up to Udoette Street.
In conclusion, Ibanga announced that Governor Umo Eno would soon inaugurate several key projects, including the 6.97km Ukpana-Akpabom-Ikwe Road with a 30-meter bridge in ONNA and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas, as well as 2.45km of internal roads at Block G, Anua Ifa Ikot Okpon Housing Estate in Uyo.
“We recognize the importance of road and infrastructure development to the ARISE Agenda. The government will continue to make strategic investments that align with the state’s short, medium, and long-term development goals,” Ibanga added.
