Governor Umo Eno’s road infrastructure development in 2-years

Emmanuel Nicholas

Road Infrastructure development constitutes a paramount objective of the Arise Agenda, and Governor Umo Basset Eno, PhD, has ardently pursued this goal with unwavering focus and dedication. And in just two years, the evidence is enormous and breathtaking.

This commitment encompasses a comprehensive approach that includes securing adequate funding, formulating strategic plans, and executing meticulous oversight throughout the entire project lifecycle.

This process encompasses various critical phases, including conceptualization, profiling and design, conducting environmental impact assessments, issuing calls for bids, selecting contracting firms and core professionals, as well as the thorough documentation of contractual agreements, culminating in the effective implementation of the project.

Governor Eno, exemplifies a leadership style characterized by a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, eschewing extravagant expenditures and instituting rigorous measures to mitigate wastefulness throughout the implementation process.

He advocates for a thorough scientific analysis of soil, which encompasses geological verification of soil quality, identification of impurities, and a meticulous scientific assessment of clay or mud deposits to preempt structural failures in the aftermath of project completion.

To safeguard the interests of the communities benefiting from these initiatives and to ensure that they do not forfeit their properties or economic assets, the administration of Pastor Umo Eno engages highly qualified quantity surveyors tasked with appraising the properties that fall within the right-of-way of road projects.

These quantity surveyors, in collaboration with the project consultants, deliver a comprehensive valuation of each property and the associated economic trees.

Subsequently, the government disburses compensation through a payment consultant, who is responsible for processing payments only after thorough verification and identification of the rightful property owners.

Upon the acquisition of the construction site by the contracting firm, a series of systematic operations are initiated, including the mobilization of site clearing activities, establishment of a site office and camp, and the commencement of drainage excavation.

Concurrently, surveyors and civil engineers undertake precise leveling to facilitate the unobstructed flow of floodwaters. This is followed by the preparation of the base through blinding, and the construction of drainage walls.

After the completion of the drainage system, any unsuitable materials are excavated and replaced with sub-grade material, specifically laterite, which is then compacted to achieve optimal soil stability.

Following this, a sub-base composed of stone aggregate is introduced and similarly compacted to ensure structural integrity.

This is succeeded by the application of MC1 as a binding agent before the initiation of the asphalt laying process.

Upon the successful completion of the asphalt surface, the State Government will enforce regulations to prevent the proximity of properties to the newly constructed roadways. Consequently, a reassessment of properties in the vicinity is mandated, particularly those affected by soil compaction or situated too close to the road.

These properties will undergo valuation and potential demolition if deemed necessary. The formal commissioning of the project will occur after the thorough cleaning of the drainage systems and the completion of road markings, accompanied by the installation of street lighting.

In the past two years, through meticulous and strategic professional implementation, Governor Umo, PhD, has completed more than 145 kilometers of road and 11 bridges. The total number of roads undertaken by his administration is 122, including both direct labor and FGPC-awarded roads.

Under the direct labor and intervention projects, Governor Umo Bassey Eno is constructing road projects covering a total of 64.29 kilometers.

The projects are; 1.5km David Lawrence/Emmanuel Enoidem Avenue, Uyo; Construction of 1.5Km Obio Etoi road by Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo/Nsit Ibom; Construction of 2.5Km Regina Coeli East-West Road, Ikot Abasi L.G.A; Construction of 3.7 Km Ekpri Nsukara Road, Uyo; Construction of 2.3Km Dual carriageway and single carriage entrance road to Military Cantonment, Nsit Ibom L.G.A and Construction of 0.46km Edem Utin Street, Abak L.G.A

Construction of 0.43km of Tony Tommy Street; Construction of 0.6km of Ime Bishop Okon Street; Construction of 2.1km of High Tension Lane, Okpon Asip Street, Uyo L.G.A.; Construction of 2.3kmof Udo Ebong Street, Ekit ltam ll, Itu Local Government Area; Construction of 1.1km Barr.Lawrence Udosen Avenue in Shelter Afriq ue, Uyo L.G.A; Construction of Internal Roads (Obot Ndon-Ekom Iman Road)at lkot Oku long flyover environs, Uyo L.G.A; Construction of 1km Zonal Model School Road and 0.3km, Oruk Anam L.G.A and Construction of 2.1km Internal Road (main Access in Obong University, Etim Ekpo L.G.A

Construction of 1.3km Agric Faculty Road Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam L.G.A; Construction of Pastor Umoren Avenue, Shelter Afrique, Uyo L.G.A; Construction of 0.69km Gen.Koko Essien Avenue, Shelter Afrique, Uyo L.G.A; Construction of Access Road to Afe Nkuku Anang Hall, Uyo L.G.A; Construction of Edem Urua Street in ltiam, Uyo L.G.A; Construction of Sylvanus Okon Extension, Uyo L.G.A and Emergency Intervention/Flood Control at Shelter Afrique Entrance, Uyo L.G.A.

Construction of Paul Ekpo Crescent in Shelter Afrique in Uyo, Uyo L.G.A; Construction of 1.5km High Tension Road; Construction of Internal Roads (lkot Ntuen, Nsit and Ediene lot Obio Imo Road; Construction of lkot Akpanya-Asuna Road; Construction of 3.09km Ikot Essien -Ikot Uyo Road in Nsit Atai L.G.A.; Construction Road linking lkotakpabin internal road, Ibesikpo Asutan L.G.A; Construction of Mbikpong lkot Edim-Afaha lkot Osom-Ikot Akpaedu Road, Ibesikpo Asutan; Emergency-Intervention, Ibesikpo Asutan L.G.A and Construction of lkot Obio Eka Road, Etinan LGA.

Construction of Edem Udo Street, Eket (1.0km); Construction of Access Road to Heritage Poly, Eket (0.5km); Construction of lot Udota -Ikot Afaha Road (2.0km), Eket LGA; Construction of 0.71km Esin Ufot Edoho Street in Eket LGA; Construction of Fishing Terminal Junction to Esuk Utte Beach, Odu Ebughu, Mbo LGA and Construction of 1.38km Stadium road in Abat, Onna L.G.A.

Construction of Flood Control Facilities in the Premises of Onna Local Government Secretariat; Construction 1.7km Mkpaeto-lkot Ndodot Road, Onna Area; Internal Road in lkot Okoro (Additional Works); Construction. 1.9 km Eda Street Anua; construction of 1.3 km Ubong Akpan/ Uwem Etulk Street; Construction of 0.71km Esin Ufot Edoho Street in Eket LGA; Construction of Flood Control Facilities in the Premises of Onna Local Government Secretariat,

As well as Construction of 1.7km Mkpaeto-lkot Ndodot Road,Onna Area and Construction of Fishing Terminal Junction to Esuk Utte Beach,Odu Ebughu,Mbo LGA.

On the FGPC mega road projects, the administration of Governor Umo is funding 46 roads, totaling 536.735 kilometers.

The projects are; Construction 10.75km lkot Ekaide -lkot Okoro-lkot lbritam Road (Section 2)in Oruk Anam LGA; Reconstruction of 3.3km ldua Road in Eket Local Government Area; Construction of 10.519km Mkpat Enin-kot Ubo-Ikot Ntot-Nkikara Road in Mkpat Enin /lkot\n·Abasi Local Government Area; Construction of 6.475km Roads in Amayam Community/Comprehensive Health Centre,lkot Ekpene LGA; Construction of 60m span Nto lde -lkot Amba Bridge with 800m Approach Road in Obot AkaraLGA; Construction of 9.76km Ancillary roads with 60m Bridge in Nsit Ubium LGA and additional road measuring 23km Contract for the Expansion of Oron Road from Ring Road ll to Victor Attah Int. Airport.

Construction/Remodelling of Selected Roads, Strategic Roundabouts/Junctions in Eket Metropolis (Phases 1 & 11), 1.6km Dualized &2.2km expanded Carriageway; Construction of 19.0km Etebi-Enwang Road with 2 No. Bridges Mbo/Esit Eket LGA; Construction of 18.97km Abak
10-lbiakpan -Abbiakpo Otoro
-Manta Road with a spur in Abak LGA; Construction of 6.0km Nung Atai -Ebighi Etta-Obufi -Atabong Market Road in Okobo LGA and Construction of 14.8km Internal Roads &Spurs with 1.9km Discharge Drains in Awa Onna.

Construction of 13.5km Ikot Ebiere -lkot Edor -lkot lko lbon-Okom Road and Ukpana -Akpabom -Ikwe Road with 30m span bridge in Onna and Mkpat Enin LGAs; Construction of 18.95km lkot Ibritam-Ekeffe-Ikot Akpan Afaha Road with 2 No.Bridges, Oruk Anam; Construction of Uruan -Ekit ltam Road with 60m span Bridge and Spurs in Itu/Uruan LGAs; Construction of 13.13km Akpambiet-Edo-Edidaedo-Ebekpo Road Ndom Edim-ldun; Construction of Akpantuen Road with spurs in Ever local Government; Construction of 2.07km to -Urua Ekpa Road with 1.4km discharge drain in Uyo and Reconstruction of 10.412km Pepsi Junction-Ukpom-Abak Road in Uyo and Abak Local Government Areas

Construction of 5km (Phase l)of lkot Ukpo Inua -lkot Etenge Ndon-Atan Eka lko-Ikot Akpabio-ikot Okpok -lkot Efre-Atan ikpe road with 120 meters Span Bridge in lkot Abasi Local Government Area; Construction of 8.5km Nduetong Oku-lbiaku Uruan -Ekit Itam Road with 60m span Bridge and Spurs in Itu/Uruan LGAs; Construction of 6.4km Utu lkot Ekpo-lka Road with spur (2.6km)in Etim Ekpo LGA and additional work of 1.4km length of Road; Construction of 2.45km Roads at Block G, Anua /lfa lkot Okpon Housing Estate, Uyo; Construction of 5km ikot Akpa Edung-Ikot Obio Ata -Edem Ibiok-Ekpene Ukim Road UruanLGA and Construction of 2Nos.Bridges of 20m &80m Span with 500m length of Approaches at Ikot Ekaide &Ikot Okoro in Oruk Anam LGA.

Construction of 12km (section l)lkot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-lkot Ibritam Road in Oruk Anam LGA; Construction of 13.6km lkot bio Offong-Nung Ukana (Spur I to lkot Obio Odongo)-Abaukpo -Spur ll to Afaha lkot in Easien Udim; Construction of 2.5km Internal Road Network with Outfall Drain in GRA, Ikot Ekpene; Construction of 9km Mbiaya Uruan -lta-Uruan -lkpa Uruan -Mbiakong Uruan Road With 60m\n·Span Bridge in Uruan Local Government Area.

Construction of 12.15km Enen Nsit-Obontong,Ikot Enwene-Edebom Oboetuk Ikot ObokMbiakom Obo Atai,Ikot Akpan Abia; Construction of 5.0km Nkari-Mbiabong -lbono Okpporo-Mbente-Obbrong-Anwafi Road andSpur,Ini LGA; Construction of 9.0km lkot Ada Idem -Ediene ikot Obio Imo -lkot Oku lkono Road ; Construction of 5.0km Mary Slessor Hospital road with 30m Span Bridges in Itu LGA ; Construction of 6.36km Nko -Ikot Abia Ossom -ikpe Mbak Eyop Abak Ifia Link Road in Obot
Akara LGA with additional works of 0.9km outfall drain,3.65km road, and another 2.5km road and Construction of 1.7km Uquo Iso Edoho -Edo Road in Esit EketEket LGA with 3.27km.

Construction of 5.0km Mary Slessor Hospital road with 30m Span Bridges in Itu LGA; Construction of 15.13km lkot Esu-Otomo-Zumini Road in lka LGA; Construction of 21.5km Urua Naria-lkot Nseyen -lkot Nkwot -Nung Ukim Road with 45m Span ·Cl(en- asi Road in Udung Uko/Oron Local Government Areas and 4.5km Edikor -Udu -Okobo in Udung Uko/Mbo/Oron Local Government Areas

Construction of 16.19km Internal Roads at the Dakkada Luxury Estate, Ibiaku Issiet; Construction of 13.5 km Okopedi- Oron Road by East- West Road( Phase 11)with 45 meters Doan bridge.; Construction of 13.6km Unyenge- Universal Energy Road to Ibom Deep Seaport with 2nd Bridge of 30m& 45m span and spur to Affi-Uda Village in Mbo Local Government Area

Construction of 19 km between Akpanya-Ikot; 46, 6.4 Dualization of Nung Udoe -Afaha Ofion Road; 45,12.5 Nung Ukim Ikono Afaha Obio Road; 46, 13.5 Ikot Akpaden -Okoroette Road, with 2 no of bridge, each 20 meters ; 46, Construction of 12.81 Ikot Okpo Inua-Ikot Expene Ndon-Atan Ikpe Road, with a spur and 15 meters span bridge

Key road projects completed and commissioned are about 145 km of roads, and 11 bridges these include internal roads at Akpan Andem Market and its surroundings, the Amphitheatre Christmas Village Arena, the Atiku Abubakar Road underground tunnel designed for flood control, and the Spring Road (Goretti Secondary School Road) in Ikot Ekpene.

Other notable projects commissioned also encompass the 9.76 km Ikot Eyo-Edem Idim Okpot-Mbiekene-Nung Obong-Ikot Ntung-East West Road, the 13.6 km Ikot Obio Offong-Nung Ukana (Spur I to Afaha Ikot Owop)-Obetok-Obongntong-Enen Nsit-Afaha Udoeyop Road, and the 4.9 km Ekparakwa-Ntak Ibesit Road in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

15.13-kim Ikot Esu-Otomo-Zumini Road, 6.475-km Mayam road Construction of 9.76 kilometers of ancillary roads, including a 60-meter bridge, Dualization 2.1 km Ikot Ekpene Udo-Ikot Ekpan Road
Dualization of 3.2 km Ene Akpan Amok-Nduon Road, which includes a 120-meter span bridge, 18.97-kilometer Abak 10-Ibiakpan-Abbiakpo Otoro-Manta,
10.4-kilometer Hospital Road – Pepsi Junction to Okpum Abak Road

More projects commissioned include the Nto Ide-Ikot Amba road and a 60-meter bridge project, as well as the 23.5 km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ikot Ibritam road, which features two bridges measuring 20 meters and 80 meters respectively, and a 4 km Secretariat road in Udung Uko Local Government Area, Construction of 9.0km lkot Ada Idem -Ediene ikot Obio Imo -lkot Oku lkono Road, 6.9 Ukpana Akpabom Road-Ikwe Road, with 30 meters span bridge, and construction of 14.8 km Ikot ubo-Odot Obo-Odot Road

In less than two years, Governor Umo Eno has not only demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the advancement of road infrastructure, but he has also substantiated the assertion that road construction serves as a fundamental catalyst for development, surpassing the impact of any other form of infrastructure.