After more than nine years of despair, residents of Itu and Uyo Local Government Areas can now heave a sigh of relief as the Itu Road – Urua Ekpa Road has been opened to traffic.
The 2.07-kilometre road was commissioned by the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, on behalf of Governor Umo Eno.The commissioning ceremony took place on Sunday as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The road connects Itu and Uyo Local Government Areas, two strategic corridors in the state capital region. The project also features a 1.4-kilometre underground discharge drain designed to address the perennial flooding and drainage challenges in the area.
For years, the road had been in a deplorable state, making movement difficult for residents, motorists and traders.The poor condition of the road had also affected economic activities and access to adjoining communities.
The commissioning was witnessed by top government officials, lawmakers and community leaders.Among those present were the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem.
Also in attendance was the member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon. The Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Mr. Ubong Ukutt, was also present at the event. The Paramount Ruler of Itu and other stakeholders in the area joined in the celebration.
Speaking at the commissioning, Prince Enobong Uwah said the project was part of the state government’s efforts to improve infrastructure across the 31 local government areas. He said the Umo Eno administration remains committed to completing inherited projects and initiating new ones across the state.
According to him, about 20 kilometres of roads are currently ongoing in Itu Local Government Area alone. He assured that more projects would be completed during Governor Umo Eno’s tenure. Prince Uwah said the road is critical to easing traffic and improving connectivity between Itu and Uyo.
The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem, described the project as very significant. He noted that the road had been in a poor state for over nine years, causing hardship to residents.
Edidem commended Governor Umo Eno for completing the project, which was started during the tenure of his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
The member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, also commended the governor’s infrastructure drive. Okon said the completion of the road has brought relief to his constituents who had endured years of hardship.
He said the people of Itu have assured him of their support for Governor Umo Eno’s second-term bid. He added that they would also support the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Mr. Ubong Nkutt, commended Governor Umo Eno for the completion of the road. He described the project as a welcome development for the people of the area and a demonstration of responsive governance.
For the people of Itu and adjoining communities, the commissioning brings an end to years of waiting for a road that had remained impassable.
Residents expressed optimism that the new road and drainage system will improve movement, boost commerce and enhance access within the area.
Residents of the area, who spoke at the event, expressed gratitude to the state government, noting that the road had previously been abandoned and had become a nightmare, especially during the rainy season.
They said the completion of the underground drain would help control flooding that had for years submerged homes and farmlands in the area.
The Akwa Ibom State Government said the commissioning is part of its ARISE Agenda which prioritizes rural development, economic growth and improved living conditions for the people.
The government urged residents to take ownership of the project by maintaining the road and protecting public infrastructure in their communities.
