There is rising hope as the federal government has released the sum of N13.2billion for the re-construction of Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road.
Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Sam Onuigbo made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting where he revealed that the FG has transferred the money meant to carry out the project to the Federal Ministry of Works, adding that the contractors are set to commence work.
At the meeting, Onuigbo commended the federal government for acting on the demand made in 2016.
He disclosed that the stakeholders’ meeting was at the instance of the Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who on November 24, 2021, wrote a letter, asking him to go home and address his constituents.
According to the lawmaker, the meeting was basically to keep the constituents abreast with what is being done on the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene road.
“We have been on this road since 2016. I moved the first motion on this road in May 2016 and met with the minister of works and housing, on June 14, 2016. The minister did a letter on the 15th, committing for a palliative work to be done because the road was impassable, particularly the Ndoro and Okwe axis of the road”.
He further revealed that he persistently made requests towards the palliative and a total reconstruction of the road, adding that, in line with the request, the federal government did a palliative work, and it took a while before the full reconstruction was awarded.
“The road was awarded in 2019 but due to paucity of funds, contractors were not mobilised to site. We didn’t relent in mounting pressure on the minister of works and over time, he listened to our requests and appeals. The reconstruction of the road was moved to be funded under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme on routes.
“That is why we have come to appeal to the people to remove items, structures from the right of way, to enable the contractor’s unimpeded access to the areas for re-construction, and to ensure that the job is done and completed on time,” he said, noting that the road when completed will aid the free movement of everyone.
Onuigbo, however, promised to serve his constituents on the acronyms of EAR, meaning, Effectiveness, Accessibility and Responsiveness, being able to respond to the concern of his constituents according to resources and contact available. He also vowed to redefine representation.
Chairman of the occasion, who is the Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Dr. Onyebuchi Azubuike, called on the contractors to be timely and work according to specifications.
He also urged them to give Abians quality road, to boost the economy of the state, and reduce crime among other benefits.
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