By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has said that the state was not impacted by last year’s flooding that ravaged many states in Nigeria because of the investment in flood control projects across the state.
Emmanuel who made this known at the commissioning of the 6.64km Ring Road 2 and drains in Uyo on Friday said the road inauguration would herald another phase of project commissioning before his exist from office next month.
According to the Governor who renamed the road Chief Udoidiong Drive,”this commissioning today have taken into consideration the drainage system. When the flood was ravaging every other state capital, we were spared because of a lot of investments we’ve done underground.
“If you check underground it can take a whole big car underground, everything around this area has been channeled underground to Aka road. We are still in Shelter Afrique trying to tar roads; we have more than five and I hope we will be able to commission it.
“Those in Atan Affot area, I told them that the day I’ll leave office, I will not leave a single road in Attan Affot and now 15 roads in Attan Affot with side drains have been done and there is no place in the area that is not tarred. We are able to achieve all these because of your support.” He stated.
Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga said,”the details of this road had taken care of everything that will tend to sustainability. We have 4 metre median that is paved, that runs through the beginning of this road to the end. Both sides of this road have drains and this road carries 3.32 underground drain that carries all water out of this arena and Aka road end. When rain comes, you don’t have any course for alarm.
“We have 60mm binder course and 50mm railing course of the main alignment. This roundabout is made of 70 metre asphaltic course. That means in the next 50 years as the Lord tarries, this road will stand the test of time.
“I want to thank you, Your Excellency for believing in one man, HENSEK Integrated Services. He has been a source of joy. Your Excellency, I want to thank you for believing in me. You have told us that anything that we do, we can always accomplish.
“I want to thank all Akwa Ibomites for the support for my boss, his Excellency, the Governor, to accomplish this feat as a state. Your Excellency, I gave you 12 projects to commission, you only trimmed it to five. I am sure before we exist, you are going to commission more.” Ibanga stated.
Chief Executive Officer, HENSEK Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko assured of the durability of the road and pledged to maintain the roads he has constructed without cost to government.
‘Your Excellency, you have built this road to last a generation. I want to say it will be a minimum of 100 years before anybody will talk about maintenance of this road. And as long as I live, I give Akwa Ibom State government a guarantee that HENSEK will maintain this road free of charge Incase of any defect.” He stated.
