Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has ordered an instantaneous evaluation and restore of potholes throughout the Uyo metropolis following a PREMIUM TIMES report.
This newspaper reported on Wednesday how potholes have resurfaced in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, as soon as reputed for its high quality highway community.
In that report, PREMIUM TIMES listed the worst-affected areas to incorporate each lanes of Atiku Abubakar Avenue by the flyover, Oron Street by Nyong Essien, Nwaniba, Ibom Plaza, and the intellectual Ewet Housing Property, the place potholes litter the roads, forcing motorists to swerve dangerously.
Different affected areas embrace Udoette Avenue and Park Street in Itam, the place beforehand clean lanes now have water-filled potholes, forcing drivers to drive on pedestrian walkways.
This newspaper had additionally queried the standard of jobs executed by contractors and the supervision by the Ministry of Works and Fireplace Service, as many of the roads failed lower than a 12 months after repairs have been carried out.
Annoyed by the deplorable state of affairs, some residents had taken to social media, significantly Fb, to name for presidency motion. Many described the Akwa Ibom Roads and Different Infrastructure Upkeep Company (AKROIMA)—a parastatal underneath the Ministry of Works accountable for fixing potholes and different failed sections—as present solely on paper.
A former spokesperson to then-Governor Godswill Akpabio (now Senate President), Usoro Usoro, described potholes as a “blessing” within the state.
In a satirical article, Mr Usoro stated the “Kingdom of Akwa Ibom” is dominated by the ever-working King Eno, whom he described as a visionary chief so centered on growth that he generally forgets “the standard potholes beneath his throne.”
“However relax. Potholes will not be unhealthy. The one unfavorable is that they murdered AKROIMA. Nonetheless, chill out. Potholes right here will not be but ditches and even ravines. In lots of circumstances, potholes are good for democracy. They supply free swimming season for the poor,” Mr Usoro wrote on Fb.
We’re conscious of the potholes – Akwa Ibom govt
Barely 72 hours after the PREMIUM TIMES’ report, Governor Eno ordered an in depth evaluation of potholes and failed parts of roads inside Uyo metropolis for quick intervention.
READ ALSO: Otti flags off Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Street rehabilitation, vows to ship challenge
The Commissioner for Info, Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this in a press release on Saturday.
“The State Authorities is conscious of the potholes which have appeared on some roads on account of the heavy and extended rainfall in current weeks,” Mr Umanah stated.
“Authorities needs to guarantee members of the general public that, because the rains subside, rehabilitation work will start in earnest to make sure correct and sturdy reconstruction of the affected parts,” he added.
He said, “Desilting of drainages and clearing of blocked water channels will even begin in numerous elements of Uyo to cut back flooding and forestall additional injury to highway infrastructure.” He appealed to residents and motorists to be affected person because the Ministry of Works takes steps to deal with the state of affairs.
