UCCDA: Anietie Eka Embarks on Inspection Tour of Govt. Infrastructure

  

... promises effective use and management of facilities

Priscilla Akpanettot

The Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka, has undertaken an inspection of government infrastructure within Uyo capital city.

The tour which took place on Friday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 23, 2024 had the Executive Chairman visit and inspect

At the commencement of the tour, Rt. Hon. Eka said the action was necessary to take account of government critical infrastructure and assets in order to decipher ways of improving them, maximizing them and making them yield appropriate dividend for the government.

Moreover, he stressed that the exercise was also to clear the city of dents and make it a model city, in line with the State Governor's vision of building a smart city in Akwa Ibom State. 

Rt. Hon. Eka being shown the plan of the Ediene Ikot Obio Imo Estate (Martha's Vineyard)

 

Martha's Vineyard in Ediene Ikot Obio Imo, the Chairman made known Government's interest to boost social amenities in the estates. He therefore advised those who were yet to start work on their alloted plots to do so, to forestall a revoke of their ownership.

“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno has granted us this opportunity to move in and provide basic amenities in this estate. If you look around, you will see that heavy-duty equipment that has been moved-in, in the last one week. 

“Governor Umo Eno is very particular about providing housing schemes for a lot of Akwa Ibom people, as enshrined in ARISE Agenda. So, we commend him for what he had been doing, and we are here to assist in interpreting his dreams and ensuring that by the end of his first term, most of his visions must have been completed”. 

The Estate which already has a functional Police Station is expected to have other amenities such as electricity, road network, malls, water, etc.

A resident of the Estate, Mrs. Comfort Nkereuwem, who spoke with journalists, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for the ongoing construction of roads in the Estate. She however appealed that other amenities be provided soon to make the Estate more comfortable for living. 

Rt. Hon. Eka interacting with the market women

When he met with roadside traders at Plaza,  Nung Oku and Itam Market, Rt. Hon. Eka stressed the imminent demolition of shanties from February 1, 2024. He advised them to use the markets and avoid the roadside, saying that their action were detrimental and stripping the city of it's beauty.

He also met with illegal motor park operators at Nung Oku and Itam Flyover, stressing the imperatives of yielding to Government's directive. 

"My visit is part of my commitment to reposition the Capital City, having received the mandate to do so from  Governor Umo Eno". 

"Its important that you respect Government directives to avoid getting into trouble. All illegal motor parks will be demolished from 1st of February so, make use of the approved Parks", he restated.

In their separate responses, the illegal park operators agreed to comply with the directive to move into the approved Parks. They however called for proper management of the Parks to ensure that they are not shortchanged.

The roadside traders also sought Government's intervention in the provision of more stalls and shops to enable them carry out their businesses.

"We won't be here if we had a better place. We have no place to go. Government should help us provide more shops because we're paying levies", one of the traders, Mrs. Uduak Jerome said.

The inspection team also visited Akpasima Estate, Afaha Offot mini Estate and John Ebiye (100 Units) Estate. They inspected the Capital City's Cemetries at Mbiokporo and Use Offot, as well as the Government approved Motor Parks at Mbiabong, Itam, Ikot Ekpe and Ikot Oku Ikono.