WORKS COMMISSIONER COMMENDS BENEST ENGINEERING OVER IKOT EDEGHE ROAD, INFORMATION DRIVE

The contractor handling the Ikot Edeghe road in Mkpat Enin with two bridges has been commended for the pace of work in progress by the Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen.

Speaking while on an inspection tour of the project, after which he oversaw the payment of compensation to those whose property are affected by the project, Mr Inyangeyen said he is satisfied that, the indigenous contractors are living up to expectation with the consistency and quality of work he has observed in their operations.

The works commissioner assured that, Governor Udom Emmanuel is committed to encouraging indigenous contractors in the dakkada spirit, if the live up to billing and perform to expectation.

He further added that, the road is in fulfillment of the campaign pledge of the governor and the larger need to open up the rural areas and ensure a good network of roads across the state.

Commissioner Inyangeyen commended the host community for their peaceful disposition and cooperating with the Ministry and Benest Technical Services ion ensuring the project is on course without hitches.

Mr Inyangeyen particularly expressed joy that, the people did not resort to erecting emergency illegal structures on the stretch of the road in a false bid to arm twist government to get compensation.

He reiterated the insistence of Governor Emmanuel for strict compliance with ethical standards.

In paying compensation with integrity of the process as the watch word.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive officer of Benest Engineering services, Chief Ben Udobia, assured that, his company is determined to deliver the project in good time and sued for continued support from the community.

Chief Udobia thanked Governor Emmanuel for the confidence he has reposed in indigenous contractors and pledged that, they will not disappoint the state.

A cross section of persons interviewed  told newsmen that the compensation was hitch free as thanked the state government for transparency in the exercise.

The works Commissioner proceeded to inspect the ongoing Information drive off IBB Avenue and charged the contractor handling the project to ensure that drains to held deflood IBB Avenue and prevent flooding peoples homes.

Commissioner inyangeyen praised Benest Technical Services for the patriotism of finishing the earth work on the road and commencing drainage system even when the state Government has not mobilized them with funds.

He described that gesture as one benefit of having indigenous contractors handle projects in the state.

A'IBOM STATE GOVT. DEMOLISHES ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON ROADS UNDERGOING CONSTRUCTION

Akwa Ibom State Government has taken practical approach to reaffirm it decision not to pay compensation to owners of illegal structures particularly on roads undergoing construction as it embarked on the demolition of such structures in Etinan and Onna Local Government Areas.

The move is sequel to the springing up of illegal structures courtesy of some unscrupulous persons who wanted to capitalise on the on-going construction of roads by erecting structures with the intent to gain compensation from the State government.

To this end, the government through the Ministry of Works, embarked on the demolition of such structures along Mbioto - Awa Iman road in Etinan Local Government Area and extend it to Awa Ndon, Ikot Akpan Ishiet - Ndon Eyo roads in Onna Local Government Area.

It would be called that despite repeated warnings, at different fora, by the State government that people should desist from putting up unapproved structures particularly on roads to be constructed, some group of persons, out of selfish motivations, refused to heed the warning and forge ahead to construct shanties, shrines, totems and artificial graves along the roads.

Government House correspondents who witnessed the demolition report that heavy duty machines mowed down the illegal structures to pave way for road construction project.

Most of the residents in their reaction commended the government for the bold step taken to effect the demolition saying it serves as a deterrent to others who constitute themselves as nuisance to the development agenda of the State government.