The first phase of a road that will link Abia state to Akwa Ibom state, Rivers, Cross River and even to Cameroon is set to commence soon, Rep. Sam Onuigbo has said.

Onuigbo who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South federal constituency, told newsmen in Umuahia, that the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene federal road was set to begin.

Onuigbo spoke when he led the delegation from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, who came to confirm the design for the dualization of the road from Abia Tower to Ikot Ekpene.

The federal lawmaker led the delegation to meet with traditional rulers at the palace of His Royal Highness Eze Ugochukwu Ejirika.

He explained that the first phase of the project will terminate close to Amawom Oboro, while the second phase will then continue from there.

He commended the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola whom he said had been responsive to his requests, which have culminated in the total reconstruction that is about to begin.

He described the minister as a man whose overall interest is the well-being of Nigerians irrespective of tribe or political affiliation.

Rep. Onuigbo who stressed the importance of the road as it links several states such as Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River and even the Cameroon with Abia, pointed out that the road is a major economic access point for the country.

He went on to add that the reconstruction of the road will bring back many economic activities which had seized since certain sections of the road failed.

The lawmaker pleaded with the federal government to rehabilitate certain failed sections that would be captured in the second phase pending when it is approved and funds are available for the total reconstruction.

While addressing the traditional rulers and other leaders, Engr. Emmanuel Adama, leader of the minister's delegation said that his team came to confirm the submission made by their consultant – Hancock Ogundiya & Partners— for the dualization of the road from Abia Tower to Amawom.

He said the consultant has submitted his report already, and they only came to see things for themselves and file their report before the contract can be awarded.

Adama said that he and his team have inspected the road up to Ikot Ekpene so as to take note of the areas that have failed and thus would need to be rehabilitated.

Reacting, the chairman, Ikwuano Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Eze Ugochukwu Ejirika said the people of Ikwuano were happy that this dream is becoming a reality.

He said the people of Ikwuano are very proud of Rep. Onuigbo for his effective representation and for being a man of his words.

The King who acknowledged that the road had totally collapsed, charged the ministry’s delegation to convey the appreciation of the people to the Honourable Minister.

He said that the 2017 palliative work which was facilitated by Rep. Onuigbo, helped a lot to ameliorate the sufferings of commuters.

He, however, urged the people to brace up as there might be a need for some demolition of structures on the road corridor to allow for the dualisation. (NAN)

•Rep Onuigbo briefing newsmen in company of Federal Ministry of power, works and housing delegation after inspecting the road.

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