-As AK Special Duties Commissioner assures of Industrialization Commitment
The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Engr. Etido Inyang has assured that the state government will complete the ongoing 17.4km Odoro Ikpe-Mbiabet Ikot Otok Road construction in Ini Local Government Area, within the next 14 months.
Engr. Etido Inyang, who gave the assurance yesterday while inspecting the progress of work done, said that the state government partnered with foreign investors, ASHDENE Associates in order to ensure a timely completion of the project.
"This is a 17.4km road that the state government is partnering with ASHDENE Associates. ASHDENE is an international investor that is coming to invest in the rice farm in Mbiabet Ikpe.
"Of course, this road is an impediment to the development of that facility. The state government had to first of all construct the road in partnership with ASHDENE in order to share the cost and ensure the a timely completion. As you can see, work has already commenced".
The Commissioner, who reiterated government's determination to serve the people, further noted that the road, when completed will open the area to so many opportunities even as the proposed rice farm will attract massive development to the area, which was once a no-go area.
He revealed that other laudable projects like a hospital, a school and an accommodation for 4,000 personnel will accompany the 10,000 hectares rice farm, adding that the project will not only benefit the immediate community but the entire state at large even as the farm will enjoy patronage from across the country.
While commending the state governor, Udom Emmanuel for his commitment to bring his industrialization drive to reality, the Special Duties Commissioner noted that Governor Udom was God-sent to Akwa Ibom, urging the people of the host community to avoid every actions capable delaying the project.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Mrs. Grace Aniefiok Stephen revealed that the road, prior to the ongoing construction work, was very bad, adding that the situation seriously impaired the development of the area.
Mrs. Stephen assured that when the road is completed it will make the area accessible for trade and investment, noting that the road, which links more than four villages, will bring economic boast to the villages even before the rice farm is opened for business.
On his part, the project manager, K. A. Jamil said "our job is to ensure that the job is executed on time. There are other things that will follow, like the hospital and school. But ours is to ensure a timely completion of the road and I want to assure you that before the time scheduled, we will complete this project".
In their various remarks, some members of the host communities expressed their joy over the construction of the road, which they noted has caused them untold suffering over the years, assuring that they will give all necessary support to the government and the company to ensure a hitch-free work.
Speaking, the village head of Ibam Obot Edet, Obong Samuel Inyangudo said "I really thank the government for coming to our aid by constructing this road. We have suffered for so many years because of this road. Our people have various farm products to sell but have not been selling because of the bad roads. So we are very happy".
Cc: Edidiong Udobia
Cc: Edidiong Udobia
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