By Odo Ogenyil, Uyo
Former President Goodluck Jonathan would on Monday commission the Etebi Enwang bridge, reputed to be the 4th longest bridge in Nigeria.
The 1.15km bridge in is part of a 19km road in linking Mbo Local Council to Esit Eket Local Council in Akwa Ibom and completed by Governor Udom Emmanuel although contract for the project was awarded by his predecessor Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Conducting newsmen round the bridge project in Mbo council are on Friday , the Special Assistant to Governor on Research and Documentation Hon Essien Ndueso said the bridge is among 40 bridges constructed by Emmanuel across the 31 local government areas in the state as part of completion agenda of his administration.
Essien further stated that it would be the longest bridge to be constructed by any state government in the history of Nigeria.
” This bridge as you all know was initiated by governor Godswill Akpabio in 2008 . Since then, it has been a sad story of neglect and poor contractual procedures and disagreement.
“This bridge was only 35 per cent executed as at when governor Udom Emmanuel took over office in 2015 . The governor had to get a contractor that specializes in Bridge construction – AMITEC . Now , this project is completed.” He explained.
He said the bridge would boost economic activities between the community and neighbouring counties of Cameroon , Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and reduce travelling time between the community and their neighbours in the Local Council.
Project contractor Engr Aiman Saimua expressed satisfaction with host communities for showing cooperation while executing the project in the area adding that more than 80% of it’s workforce was sourced from the local community.
Saimua who said the bridge could last for a lifetime however advised the state government to ensure that the bridge is maintained every 50 years inorder to enhance its durability .
