By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo would on Tuesday commission a number of projects executed by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, including the.4km Eket Etinan dual carriage highway.
The new road executed by Chinese firm CCECC is in fulfillment of Emmanuel’s promise to ensure a dual carriageway from the state capital to the Atlantic Ocean and a continuation of the 20km Uyo- Etinan Road that is almost ready for inauguration
Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation Mr Essien Ndueso who led journalists on a visit to the new road said it was previously a nightmare for commuters who were compelled to pass through a long and arduous route before reaching Uyo or Eket.
“Many had to go through Ikot Ubo in Nsit Ubium, down to Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, or even pass through interior villages in Nsit Ubium and Nsit Ibom before reaching their destination.” Essien said.
On his part the construction project manager Engr Samuel Ukata said the road was executed to specifications to stand a test of time and is designed with road furniture like side drainage, pedestrian walkway, traffic markings with pavement and center lines as well as concrete stones walls for enhance movements.
Some commuters who spoke with newsmen expressed delight on the new road , saying it would enhance their movement , describing it as smoth and sweet to drive on.
A driver, Mr Bassey Ime said before the construction of the dual carriageway, movement from Eket to Uyo used to be difficult as they take pains to navigate village roads in Nsit Ubium and such trip last for an hour but with the newly constructed road now their trip to Uyo from Eket has shortened to just 30mins.
It would be recalled that Obasanjo had earlier commissioned the longest flyover bridge in the South South, a one kilometer flyover bridge in Uyo and also inaugurated the longest stretch of dual carriage way executed by any administration in the State, the 29km Etinan – Ndon Eyo road.
“I don’t why Governor Udom Emmanuel loves me so much that he always invites me to inaugurate his best projects. I recall that I was here to inaugurate the longest flyover in the south south and now I am inaugurating the longest dual carriage road with two cable bridges.” Obasanjo had said while commissioning the Etinan – Ndon Eyo Road last year.
