Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has expressed satisfaction at the pace and quality of work execution in the on-going Ikot Oku Ikono Fly Over project.
Governor Emmanuel stated this when he undertook an inspection of the Ikot Oku Ikono Fly Over project, recently.
He observed that contrary to insinuations by nay sayers, the flyover project has progressed steadily, adding that the contracting firm, Julius Berger Plc , has assured on completion and delivery as scheduled.
Related: COVID-19 Won’t Hinder Delivery Of Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover
The Governor blamed the slight delay in the project execution on the COVID -19 pandemic which ravished the world thereby forcing companies to close for business in the greater part of last year.
“What I’m seeing is completely different from the complaints I’m hearing. Look at the length of the road, the size, the quality, I don’t know how people expect this to be completed overnight, looking at what happened last year in terms of COVID-19, so many construction companies had to close down for a long period of time.
“…right now, with the extent of work done, Julius Berger is committed to finishing the project in May, I’m so sure they will finish in April because they always give themselves a buffer,” he assured.
Related: A’Ibom Speaker Directs Works Committee To Visit Collapsed Bridges In Ikono
Governor Emmanuel spoke on the quality of job done, saying that the bridge when completed with all its adjourning structures, will be the longest in the state and called on the people of the state to appreciate the concept, quality and sincerity of purpose brought to bear in the Fly Over project .
On the Uyo Ikot Ekpene Road, the Governor said Julius Berger Plc has done excellently on the road project and expressed optimism that the company will deliver on the projects in a record time.
The Governor however decried paucity of funds and lackadaisical attitude of national agencies towards assisting in infrastructural development in the state, emphasising that the situation notwithstanding the state would not relent in the development of infrastructures.
“…we’ve not had any support from agencies that should come to our aid so we have to squeeze water out of the rock to make sure we give ourselves infrastructural development,” he explained.
Earlier, the Regional Manager of Julius Berger PLC, Mr Juergen Fischer, commended the state government for keeping to the contract agreements and assured that the flyover project will be completed in May 2021 while the adjourning structures, including roundabouts, access roads and service lanes will be completed in August.
