This is the best of times for indigenous contractors as critical stakeholders in the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda programme.
Not only have they been given the opportunity to be active players in the infrastructural renaissance in the state, they have also been made to play critical roles, hitherto reserved for multi national construction firms.
One of such projects is the 9.5KM road network leading to a modern jetty facility in Onna Local government area. Managing Director of Benest Technical Services (BTS), Elder Ben Udobia has described the jetty and 9.5km sub- road at Ikot Ebidang/ Ikot Ebekpo in Onna Local Government as a project of great economic importance to the state as it would connect Akwa Ibom through the waterways to other countries for Commerce.
The project opens up the area economically as the Jetty shall allow easy movement of farm produce and goods since it empties into the atlantic ocean and has the capacity of serving not just the area but the entire state.
The MD while conducting some journalists around the project site made this disclosure and eulogised Governor Udom Emmanuel for encouraging Local Contractors in road construction as well as investing on Infrastructural projects, emphasising that there has been a paradigm shift in terms of development in the state.
” He has done well in terms of infrastructure, local Contractors are not left out, we are doing well in road construction.
“He has also invested in this project. Where we are standing was a high sea, we had to fill it to this level, the road has pavements, construction is almost completed just painting is left.” Udobia explained.
Speaking also, the Project Manager , Engr.Victor Ekaette explained in technical details that the construction was done with quality materials that can stand the test of time.
” The Dimension is 20-24 meter solid resting on a 150mm stone and final Asphalt of 50mm with drainages on all sides, we did a lot of filling using a dredger.”Mr Ekaette said.
Imaobong Akaninyene an indigene of the community thanked the Governor for constructing the jetty and Ikot Ebekpo-Ikot Ebidang road stating that the road was in a deplorable condition as it was totally impassable.
She also said that the contractor had cordial relationship with the indigenes of the community who assisted the construction company during the course of the project.