Collapsed Mbiokene Bridge, Roads Receives Govt Attention As Inyangeyen Assures Speedy Construction

By Ubong Ntekim.

Following the collapse of a bridge across
Mbiokene river linking Nnung Obong in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state government, on Thursday, announced that it is taking urgent steps to ensure speedy construction of ancillary roads in the area and handing over of a new bridge to replace the collapsed one.

State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Akparawa Inyang-Eyen, who inspected the dilapidated bridge at Mbiokene, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Engr John Itiat and Directors from the Ministry, extended his appreciation to those who used the social media platform to draw government attention to the damaged bridge, hinting that, "I first heard about the state of this road and bridge on Facebook".

He further said that, "As a Commissioner for Works, I need to know and take full responsibility for what the people living in our community are going through", announcing that the State Government will fast track construction work on the road while a new bridge would also be provided immediately to replace the one done by the colonial masters.

While appealing the people of the area to exercise patience and cooperate with Bulletin Construction company; the firm handling the Nsit Ubium ancillary roads, Inyang-Eyen, noted that, when the road is completed, it will open the hinterland to the city.

He further said that the indigenous farmers and those involved in other kind of businesses will be able to transport their products to the city without any difficultly, adding that it will lead to surplus food supply with lesser price.

The Commissioner observed that Governor Udom Emmanuel has indeed shown his love for the people of Akwa Ibom state, following his passion and commitment for social infrastructural development which have linked communities in the State with roads and bridges.

However, the Works boss was in Eket LGA to inspect the ongoing remodelling and beautification work in the area, handle by NigerPet Structures.

He informed newsmen after the inspection exercise that, Eket residents will soon have much greater reasons to appreciate the governor when the whole remodelling package for Eket Roundabout and other road projects in the oil rich area would have been completed.