Andy Esiet, Calabar
Essien Ndueso briefing some journalists during the inspection of the 23.4km Eket-Etinan dual carriageway.
Akwa Ibom is now set as former President Olusegun Obasanjo is billed to commission the 23.4km Eket-Etinan dual carriageway constructed by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The inauguration of the road is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 2nd May 2023 as a trip to the dual carriageway showed that preparation for the commissioning is in top gear as things are already in place to ensure a successful inauguration.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr Essien Ndueso who led a team of journalists on a visit to the new road on Monday, said, “everything is in place for the commissioning of the Eket – Etinan dual carriageway constructed by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration with a Chinese firm, CCECC as the contractor”.
He said the new road is the fulfillment of Governor Emmanuel’s promise to ensure a dual carriageway from the state capital to the Atlantic Ocean, adding that the new road is a continuation of the 20km Uyo- Etinan Road that is almost ready for inauguration.
Mr Ndueso said before the construction of the Eket – Etinan road, motorists were previously compelled to pass through a long and arduous route before reaching Uyo. Many had to go through Ikot Ubo in Nsit Ubium, down to Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, or even pass through interior villages in Nsit Ubium and Nsit Ibom before reaching their destination.
The 23.4km Eket-Etinan dual carriageway.
On his part, the Construction Project Manager, Engr. Samuel Ukata, said the road was executed to specifications to stand a test of time.
The Eket – Etinan Highway traversing Eket, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, and Etinan, which will be commissioned by Chief Obasanjo, is designed with road furniture like side drainage, pedestrian walkway, traffic markings with pavement and centre lines as well as concrete stones walls for enhanced movements.
Meanwhile commuters plying the dual carriageway are filled with joy seeing the state government complete the road in preparation for the May 2 commissioning as they expressed delight on the new road , saying “it will enhance our movement because the is smooth and sweet to drive on” .
A driver, Mr Bassey Ime said before the construction of the dual carriageway, movement from Eket to Uyo used to be difficult as they take pains to navigate village roads in Nsit Ubium and such trip last for an hour but with the newly constructed road now their trip to Uyo from Eket has shortened to just 30mins.
Former President Obasanjo had earlier commissioned the longest flyover bridge in the South South, a one kilometre flyover bridge in Uyo and also inaugurated the longest stretch of dual carriage way executed by any administration in the State, the 29km Etinan – Ndon Eyo road.
