A 10.83-kilometre road linking communities across Mkpat Enin and Etinan Local Government Areas has been commissioned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, providing a new road connection between communities in the two council areas.
The project features a 30-metre bridge and a branch road towards Ikot Enyienge, connecting communities including Ikot Ekpe, Ikot Afang, Ikot Umiang, Mbioto and Efa.
Governor Umo Bassey Eno, represented at Tuesday’s ceremony by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the project was intended to strengthen links between rural communities and urban centres while making the movement of people, goods and services easier.
The commissioning was part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State and brought the number of anniversary projects commissioned by the administration to 29.
Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the project was among the early road contracts awarded by the administration. He recalled that reaching the residence of the Paramount Ruler in the area was previously difficult, with campaign journeys taking about two hours.
According to Ibanga, the journey can now be completed in about 10 minutes. He disclosed that 7.63 kilometres of the road falls within Mkpat Enin, while the remaining section is in Etinan.
He added that the project included a branch road towards the Paramount Ruler’s residence and a roundabout designed to improve safety for motorists and other road users.
Stakeholders from the two local government areas commended the state government for the project and other interventions. Senator Ekong Sampson, through former University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Chief Medical Director, Prof. Etete Peters, expressed appreciation for the administration’s infrastructure projects in the area.
The council chairmen of Mkpat Enin and Etinan, Emmanuel Inyang and Uko Umo, also acknowledged the project’s expected impact. Inyang cited other government interventions in Mkpat Enin, while Umo said improved access would ease transportation challenges for residents, including traders who depend on road connectivity for their businesses.
Traditional rulers and other stakeholders subsequently called for more infrastructure projects, particularly additional roads and improved electricity supply, while State APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, commended the administration’s infrastructure efforts.
