By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has pledged to release funds for the completion of works at the new smart terminal building of the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
He has also said that housing developments at the Multi-Billion Naira Dakkada Luxury Estate would commence by the end of January.
Eno made this known yesterday when he led members of the State Assembly, on inspection of key projects at the Airport including the new International Smart Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the Medical Centre and the Luxury Estate.
At the New Terminal Building, the Governor acknowledged that there was a soft opening of the facility upon completion of the major construction works said it was expedient for the two arms of government to have a firsthand assessment to ascertain the requirements to allow its full activation.
Eno who extracted commuttment from the contractors that the facility would be fully activated by April next year, also committed to making funds available for the required fine-tuning.
” I had to come here personally with members of my Exco and members of House of Assembly so that we can see things for ourselves and try to know where we direct funding.
“Yes, we had a soft opening and now there is still some work to be done. So we budgeted for it. Thankfully I came with the Honourable Speaker and leadership of the House.”
At the MRO where work started more than 20 years ago, he reaffirmed the resolve of his administration to ensure that it would begin operation in full capacity to give the state the full gain it was intended.
“As I campaigned for governorship , we knew there are some projects that we must fine tune for Akwa Ibom people to derive the full benefits.It’s a relay race, people run and give you the baton to run the finishing line.
“I am believing and hoping that our team here will be the one to get to the finishing line and be part of the history that has already been made”, he stated.
At the Dakkada Luxury Estate where he inspected the internal roads, Eno lauded the level of progress at the site and commended the contractors for taking the projects so far despite not getting corresponding funding from the government.
“I would like to thank the contractors, actually the ones that have not been mobilized but they have shown good faith.
“I think they have done a fantastic job given the reason I have just explained but as I will go back to the office, we will try within the next two weeks to ensure that they are mobilized so that they can take full advantage of the dry season.”He said.
The Luxury Estate supervising Commissioner and Commissioner for Lands, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.) in his overview said that internal roads of about 16.8 km are being executed by eight contractors for speedy completion adding that the contractors would take advantage of the dry season to get the job done
