Chris Asuquo
The ongoing construction of the 11km Owut Uta-Afaha Udoeyop-Ide Obom 1 road has not been abandoned, according to Pastor Gideon Akpan, the coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
This clarification comes in response to recent social media rumours and reports from some broadcast stations suggesting otherwise.
Pastor Akpan confirmed that the contracting firm has completed the removal of unsuitable materials, refilling of the sub-grade, and drainage installation.
He also noted that over 2 kilometers of asphalt work has been finished, with delays primarily caused by the extended rainy season.
With the rains now subsiding, the construction company has resumed work and set a new completion date for March 2025, as confirmed by a letter of commitment from the contractor to RAAMP.
A visit to the construction site by High Chief Emmanuel Nicholas, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, corroborated the RAAMP coordinator’s statements.
The Aide to the Governor noted workers preparing the sub-base for the application of MC1, indicating that the project was indeed active and progressing.
The Special Assistant also visited Urua Ekpo Nwa in Ide-Obom 1 , he mentioned that the road project’s primary objective: to provide traders with a reliable road to access the market.
On site assessment by the Special Assistant to the Governor shows that Construction has also begun on the market facility, with Engineer Alozie stating that the market project is set for completion within 18 months.
The new Urua Ekpo will feature open and lock-up shops, an abattoir, toilets, offices, a parking area, a surrounding fence, a security post, and portable water, all connected by interlocking internal roads.
The Chinese construction company responsible for the road project has reiterated its commitment to completing the work by March 2025 and has urged local communities to continue their support for the successful delivery of this vital infrastructure.
The road project flagged off by Governor Umo Eno marks a significant collaboration between the World Bank, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and the African Development Bank. This partnership projected to enhance infrastructure and drive development within the State .
