Date Published: 05/29/09

Akwa Ibom Govt. spends N180b on roads in two years

Akwa Ibom Government under the leadership of Chief Godswill Akpabio has rolled out its achievements with the award of contract for the construction of 400 kilometres of roads worth about N180 billion in a two-year reign.

In a state-wide broadcast to Akwa Ibom people marking the 10 th Democracy Day entitled: Consolidating the Gains of Democracy and Good Governance in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Akpabio said the contract cuts across the three senatorial districts in the State.

Akpabio disclosed that the government has awarded contract for Itam drainage evacuation and Uruan Street drainage system at N16 billion.

Under Agriculture, he posited that 620 youths trained and granted N500,000 under the Integrated Farmer’s Scheme as part of the government’s effort to intervene in the current food crisis as well as purchased 22 tractors at N76 million to serve the needs of individual farmers and groups.

In the transportation sector, the announced that Ibom Taxi Scheme, the government acquired and distributed 400 vehicles to intra-city mass transit programme in addition to 15 luxury buses for the commuter services, while 40 buses were ordered for urban transportation in Uyo.

In the area of Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee projects, the governor said 3,000 people-oriented projects in the 31 local government areas of the state were inaugurated.

The state Chief Executive Officer mentioned the introduction of free, compulsory education in the public primary and secondary schools in the state, payment of N344.8 million subvention to public schools, payment of N187.7 million as NECO/SSCE Examination registration fee for candidates in the public schools, distribution of 200,000 exercise books to public primary and secondary schools as well as implementation of 27.5 per cent new TSS to teachers in public schools in the state. 

 Under Housing and Urban Renewal, Akpabio enumerated the construction of Governor’s Lodge, Mini Estate for local government chieftains, state library complex, luxury apartments and the workers village including the relocation of Ikot Ekpene prisons and construction of Akpan Andem Market Phase 11.