Residents of many communities and motorists have expressed joy and satisfaction over the roads recently constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in different parts of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking to newsmen in Uyo, a community leader in Ekamba Nsukara, Dr (Mrs) Felicia Beulah, said that NDDC came as a saviour to reconstruct the failed sections of Apostolic Church Road, thereby rescuing the people from many years of pains and discomfort caused by the deplorable state of the road.
She said: “Before the NDDC intervened, the roads in our community were quite bad and we were basically using only a narrow pathway as the main road was virtually impassable. The NDDC made a very significant improvement on the road and today, we can drive in with our cars.”
Another resident in the area, Mr Ifiok Udoh, said that before now the road was in very deplorable condition. “It was an eye saw,” he said. We thank God and the NDDC for coming to our rescue. We are now enjoying the road.”
The Project Manager, Mr. Modestus Aruma, said that the road had impacted positively on the socio-economic lives of the residents of the area. He stated that the internal roads had improved the living condition of the people and made access in and out of the community very convenient.
Speaking at the site of another project at the main entrance to the permanent site of the University of Uyo, UNIUYO, a student leader, Mr Monday John, applauded the NDDC, for completing the construction of the dual carriageway and installing street lights at the entrance into the main campus of the university.
He said: “We are grateful to the NDDC for building this beautiful road and complementing it with a solar-powered street light which has changed the outlook of the university at night and enhanced security on our campus.”
At the Ikot Unya Road in Ikot Abassi Local Government Area, a member of one of the benefitting communities, Mrs Imoh Boniface, said that it had opened up the area but appealed for more drainage for the road. She said it was a small road before, now it had been transformed, making access to many communities in Edemanya an easy ride. A motorcyclist plying the road, Mr. Aniofok Donatus Akpa, said the road was a big help for traders and businessmen in the area.
In Uruan Local Government Area, remedial works on failed sections of Ikot Antia village Road had made it possible for the people to improve their lives through trading. A food seller in the area, Mrs Angela Effiong, said that her sales had increased since the road was completed.
A commercial motorcycle rider, Mr. Paul Edet Akpan, said that it was now a smooth ride for him and he now had less problems with the maintenance of his motorcycle.
At Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, the construction of the three-kilometre Abat Nya-Ufet Okoro Road with drains was impacting the lives of the people positively, as acknowledged by an indigene of Abat Nya community, Mr Emem Peter Mathew.
He said: “It won’t be wrong if one says that the construction of this road would be celebrated in the church as a testimony. The road had been abandoned for many years before NDDC remembered us. The first day we saw road building equipment moving in to work, our people filled the street, jubilating.”
The remedial works on failed sections of Anietie Uffot Crescent and Iboro Johnny Street in Shelter Afrique Estate, in Uyo LGA excited one of the residents of the estate, Mr. Eneh Horgan, who commended NDDC for the network of roads.
The contractor for the project, Mr. Emmanuel Bassey said that the road was completed at a record time with the cooperation of members of the community.
At the Christ for the World Mission Road, Uyo, the Community Liaison Officer, Mr Ubom Sunday Effiong, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for making life better for the people, noting that the road had brought tremendous benefits to them.
Also at the Old Ring Road, Uyo Local Government Area, a bus driver, Mr. Liberty Daniel, said that the road had saved transporters like him the trouble of frequent repairs to their vehicles. A resident of the area, Elder Ever young William, said that NDDC did a good job for the people and deserved their praises.
