by Osondu Ahirika
It was a largely jubilant mood in Eket metropolis as the Akwa Ibom State Government commenced the second phase of Eket remodeling and Urban beautification project, on Tuesday day June 13,2017 as the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen disclosed to newsmen that Governor Udom Emmanuel, in his determination to deliver on his campaign pledge to redevelop Eket metropolis gave the marching order for work to proceed without delay.
Such urgency was demonstrated in that on arrival from the United States where he was on official trip, he moved straight to Eket to oversee the demolition of structures affected by the project and which have been duely compensated .
Several residents of Eket who interacted with newsmen were cheerful in receiving the news from Commissioner Inyangeyen, expressing optimism that, the hitherto crowded city with no proper planning and clutter of buildings will truly live up to its billing as a major city in the state and wear a renewed look.
A resident, who identified herself as Mrs Angela Udokang, lauded the State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for making haste to proceed with the project despite the hard biting economic recession.
Mrs Udokang who decried what she said was the neglect of Eket in the past, argues that, with the development, Eket which is generally called 'idung mfia Anwe'( Home of the Europeans), will at the end of the project really look like the white man's land.
She prayed God to grant the State government grace to complete the work on schedule and commended the Works Commissioner for his focus and uncompromising pursuit of Governor Emmanuel's vision of roads infrastructure in the area.
Another resident chief Effiong Etim Henshaw, observed that the general excitement that greeted the demolition exercise sums up the true mood of all well meaning people of Ekid Nation.
According to Chief Henshaw, Eket people are so excited having seen the completion of phase one of the construction and the face lift it gave the city and are eager to have the project completed on all fronts as the city will wear a new look that befits It's status as the oil and gas hub of the state.
Chief Henshaw notes that, the few people who were affected by the evacuation and relocation order may be hurting because of the initial inconvenience, but maintained that, ultimately, they will be impressed by the outcome of the sacrifice at the end of the project.
He called on those who were still occupying or doing business in structures for which compensation has been paid to quickly relocate and cooperate with the Ministry of Works and the contractor handling the project, Nigerpet, to enable the work end on schedule.
A businessman, Elder Uwem Effanga however regretted that, the relocation of his business was giving him concern, adding that, he was positive the job will be completed speedily so, he could see how to move back to base in the new look city that will emerge.
Earlier, Commissioner Ephraim Inyangeyen had disclosed that, Governor Udom Emmanuel issued a 30 days marching order to see considerable progress and a new environment in Eket.
He assured that, " As the Ministry supervising the project, we have also given a marching order to the Contractors handling the job; NigerPet Structures, that government won't entertain excuses.
They've received money, they've got adequate space, it therefore means that at the expiration of 30 days, we should be back to Eket, to hand over a very beautiful and aethestically pleasing environment to the people who voted massively for their governor", Inyangeyen said.
, The Commissioner revealed that, the design includes a beautiful garden, sit outs where people can come and relax after day's engagements as well as a beautiful water fountain that will work round the clock.
The Works Commissioner said by the end of the project, the remodelling will link roads in Eket town to the dualized road Eket-Ibeno and effectively eradicate the usual flooding the city experienced in the past. He urged residents to continue in their support for the State government as Governor Emmanuel is determined to bring development to all parts of the state.
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