The Akwa Ibom State Government has expended N208.16 billion on both newly initiated and inherited projects as of October 18, 2024, according to Professor Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service.In an update to the press on Sunday, Professor Ibanga highlighted Governor Umo Eno’s administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, noting that the expenditure is part of a strategic effort to expand and consolidate the state’s infrastructure.
Since Governor Umo Eno assumed office on May 29, 2023, significant progress has been made in advancing infrastructure projects, both inherited and newly initiated under the ARISE Agenda,” Ibanga said.
He revealed that N47.93 billion has been allocated to 36 inherited FGPC projects, while N4.04 billion has been invested in 51 emergency intervention projects passed down from the previous administration, bringing the total to N51.96 billion for inherited projects.
Additionally, the commissioner noted that 61 new projects have been initiated under the ARISE Agenda, with some already completed, such as 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 spent on 50 ARISE Agenda projects, with another N4.54 billion directed towards 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 stated.
He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to completing all road projects inherited from previous administrations, as well as those initiated by the current administration, stressing that contractors will be pressed to meet their deadlines as the rainy season ends.
Commenting on the delayed Tabernacle Road project, Ibanga attributed the delay to the deep excavation work required, which was slowed by heavy rainfall. “The excavation, which is recommended to go at least 11 meters deep, was hampered by persistent rains this year. Had contractors continued, there could have been accidents or subpar work,” he explained.
He also addressed the issue of heavy-duty trucks damaging intra-city roads by using routes not designed for them, resulting in significant wear on Ikpa Road and Uyo Village Road. In response, the government has already awarded contracts for the reconstruction of these roads, stretching up to Udoette Street.
Ibanga concluded by announcing that Governor Umo Eno will soon inaugurate several key projects, including the 6.97km Ukpana-Akpabom-Ikwe Road with a 30-meter span bridge in ONNA and Mkpat Enin LGAs, and the 2.45km internal roads at Block G, Anua Ifa Ikot Okpon Housing Estate, 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 said.
Source :Vanguard
