Umoh Eno’s RAAMP initiative: A catalyst for economic growth through rural roads, market construction in Akwa Ibom

By. Emmanuel Nichoas

The proactive Government of Akwa Ibom State, in its unwavering commitment to enhancing economic activities within the rural territories, is diligently advancing commercial opportunities through the strategic construction of both markets and roads, facilitated by the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

This initiative is being generously financed through collaborative efforts involving international financial institutions, namely the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Commencing in June 2023, the project has made significant strides, beginning with the construction of the 11-kilometer Owot Uta-Afaha Udoeyop-Ede Obom Road, which has since catalyzed a multitude of additional infrastructural developments throughout the state.

Currently, over eight road construction projects are underway. Notable among these endeavors are the Afaha-Atai Road, designed to enhance access to the bustling Afaha Market, and the 16-kilometer Nung Udoe Ibiaku Obio Ndobo-Adadia Road, which serves as a vital conduit to both the Issiet Beach Market in the Uruan Local Government Area and the Nung Udoe Market in Ibesikpo.

The initial segment of this road network effectively connects several communities, including Owot Uta, Ikot Okubo, Ikot Ikerre, Itoko, Afaha Ikot Owop, Afaha Udo Eyop, and Edeobom 1, leading to the popular Urua Ekpo Nwa market.

This 11-kilometer route also facilitates connectivity between the Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas.

Furthermore, RAAMP has awarded a contract for the construction of a 12.3-kilometer road linking Ikot Obio Eket to Ikot Mbong in the ONNA Local Government Area.

In tandem with these roadworks, the agency has successfully completed the bidding process for the construction of 16.55 kilometers of road within Okobo and INI Local Government Areas, with project sites soon to be handed over to the selected contractors.

The construction of markets is a pivotal aspect of this initiative, designed to complement the newly established rural roads and to foster the expansion of commerce within local communities.

These markets will serve as critical interconnections to urban centers, thereby enabling traders from urban locales to access rural markets with greater ease and efficiency via well-maintained thoroughfares.

To date, several market construction projects have been awarded by RAAMP, with work already underway at key locations such as Urua Ekpo Nwa in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Urua Naira in Ikono Local Government Area, and Atabong Beach Market in Okobo Local Government Area.

It is important to note that these market constructions are not mere renovations; they represent a comprehensive development of entirely new facilities designed for traders.

These modern marketplaces will feature open shops, lock-up shops, abattoirs, warehouses, and cold storage rooms, all meticulously designed to support the needs of local vendors.

The markets will be aesthetically enhanced with landscaped flooring, equipped with effective drainage systems to manage rainwater runoff, and fitted with interlocking roofing to shield vendors and goods from inclement weather.

Provisions will be made for a designated parking area for motorists, essential sanitation facilities (toilet and bath rooms), and access to solar-powered potable water.

Particularly noteworthy is the Atabong Market project in Okobo Local Government Area, which will incorporate a dedicated jetty for fishermen, facilitating the docking of canoes and the unloading of aquatic produce to the market .

Governor Umo Eno is resolutely partnering with the World Bank and other financial institutions to construct vital infrastructure in rural areas, aiming to significantly bolster commerce within local communities while ensuring that both farmers and traders enjoy qualitative access to the modern marketplaces and roads necessary for efficient trade.

As stated by RAAMP, there are forthcoming bidding opportunities for the construction of Issiet Beach Market, Urua Obo, and Afor Market in the INI Local Government Areas in the next phase

The Coordinator of RAAMP, Pastor Gideon Akpan, has emphasized that wherever RAAMP road projects are initiated, there is a corresponding market development planned to enhance trade in the hinterlands.

Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda is fundamentally anchored on rural development, affirming from the outset his commitment to enhancing connectivity through the expansion of rural roads, thereby providing farmers and traders with smooth, reliable routes for the transportation of their goods and services .

Through the RAAMP initiatives, the Akwa Ibom State Government has engaged in a strategic partnership agreement targeting the construction of 35 rural road projects, alongside the modernization of 25 markets across the state, marking the commencement of the first phase of this transformative agreement.