By Udeme Hosea

In a detailed briefing on the projects of the present administration in the last three years in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Works, it was gathered that out of the 234 roads, bridges and erosion-control projects funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government, 105 were inherited from previous administrations while 129 were initiated by the administration of Governor Umo Eno.

The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, disclosed this on Thursday at a Ministerial Media Briefing of his ministry held at Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, Uyo.

Prof. Ibanga said of the 105 inherited projects, 47 were under the Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGPC), 51 were direct-labour and seven were erosion-control and other interventions, with 57 completed and 15 commissioned so far.

He said the 129 newly initiated projects comprise 67 FGPC, 47 direct-labour and 15 other interventions, including 40 bridges, with 26 completed and 20 commissioned.

The Commissioner said a total of 1,159.6 kilometres of roads have been undertaken through FGPC and direct-labour, while 43 RAMP projects supported by the World Bank and state counterpart funding covered 382.83 kilometres. Of the N879.22 billion spent on road infrastructure, N747.51 billion went to new projects and N131.71 billion to inherited projects.

He added that 123 potholes and failed road sections have been rehabilitated across the state, especially within Uyo metropolis, while the state government has installed 6,386 of 6,441 solar-powered street lights under Phases 1 and 2, which has cut monthly diesel consumption from 150,000 litres to below 32,000 litres.

On the impact, Prof. Ibanga said visitors now commend the state for its good road network and ease of connectivity, noting that the opening of new roads has provided alternative routes for commuters. He said landed properties have increased in value in the new areas that have been opened up.

The Commissioner prayed that as the state government releases funds, the weather should allow contractors to execute the projects without hindrance.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, said the briefing was to account for government’s programs and how it benefits the people..