The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced rehabilitation of the 13.5-kilometre Okopedi–Uya Oro Road in Okobo and Oron local government areas, alongside construction of the new Okopedi–East-West Road.
The rehabilitation involves clearing and desilting drainage channels, repairing potholes and damaged sections, and applying an asphalt overlay along the existing road.
The project engineer, Aniekeme Otong of U & K Limited, disclosed this during an assessment of the road at CBT Junction, popularly known as Winners Chapel Roundabout, in Okobo.
Otong said the road was approximately 13.5 kilometres long, with an initial width of 11 metres, narrowing to 7.3 metres in some sections.
He explained that patching work was ongoing, while the asphalt overlay would extend from Okobo Junction towards Oron. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within one month.
The rehabilitation is being undertaken while construction continues on the 13.4-kilometre Okopedi–East-West Road, following the completion of the Nsit Atai–Okobo Road.
Residents of Okopedi, Nung Atai, Ati Abang, Uya Oro and Oti Oro are expected to benefit from improved access to neighbouring communities and public facilities.
A resident, Victor Uno, said the rehabilitation of the old road alongside construction of the new route would provide additional transport options for the benefiting communities.
Prince Emana Mbuk James, son of the village head of Nung Atai Ita, said residents had sought repairs to the road for several years.
He called for the installation of speed bumps and other traffic-safety measures to prevent accidents as motorists begin using the improved road.
The Village Youth President of Nung Atai, Matthew Atting, said the road provides access to a model primary school, police station, magistrate court and High Court.
Another resident, Alex Ukoh, said the rehabilitation would address the deteriorating condition of the road, which had remained largely unattended by previous administrations.
The project forms part of ongoing road infrastructure works in the area aimed at improving connectivity between Okobo, Oron and adjoining communities.
