Akwa Ibom State has urged the Federal Government to intervene in its dilapidated roads across the state to ease the difficulties faced by commuters.
Ephraim Inyang-eyen, state commissioner for works, who, made the call in Uyo, the state capital, while responding to questions from journalists, said the state was already saddled with several road projects tasking its meagre resources.
He explained that the state being a major contributor to the nation’s oil revenue deserved a better treatment than what it is getting so far.
According to him, Abak-Ekparakwa-Port Harcourt highway, Ikot Ekpene-Itu-Calabar highway and Ikot Ekpene-Aba highway have gone beyond mere patches and needed total reconstruction.
“Akwa Ibom is a major contributor to the national purse through her resources; it is sad to note that many states in the north with little or nothing to contribute have better federal roads. It’s unfair, and the state needs, as a matter of urgency, federal government intervention on federal roads across the state”.
Inyang-eyen, who observed that though several ongoing road projects handled by his ministry have experienced setbacks owing to the heavy downpour in the state, however, assured that most of them will be delivered according to specifications for the use of motorists soon.
“We have resolved never to do any substandard job in this state and will not hesitate to terminate any project found to be below our standard. Akwa Ibom people deserve the best,” he said.
He warned that government would not tolerate any act capable of derailing the ongoing physical infrastructure in the state, urging those refusing to be compensated for their property on the right of way to have a change of heart.
Inyang-eyen, who said the state government was working towards ensuring a comprehensive drainage system to ensure that the 25km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene highway stand the test of time, also hinted that it would put the minds of residents challenged by flood along the road
The commissioner thanked the people of Akwa Ibom State for their cooperation with Governor Emmanuel’s administration in developing the state, adding that several ongoing road projects will be ready for inauguration as part of activities to mark the creation of the state’s anniversary next month.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo
