Prof Eno Ibanga: No property will be demolished without compensation
..as Works Ministry vowed to contractors over poor handling of road projects in Oron
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga has assured property owners whose structures have been marked for demolition, to give way for ongoing road construction and expansion across the state, that the Ministry for Works under his watch, will ensure that adequate compensations are paid to property owners before demolition.
The Works and Fire Service Commissioner gave the assurance to property owners along Afagha Etuk/Afagha Obio Nkan section of the ring road three projects in Uyo capital city, during an inspection exercise yesterday Monday 8th March 2021.
Prof. Ibanga flanked by the Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, attended to some residents who approached him for clarity on issues concerning their structures marked for demolition.
In his words: “As you can see, I keep mounting pressure on contractors to complete their projects as soon as possible, that is why I am always on a move to go round and solve problems that may hinder our delivery.
“What I can tell you is that in as much as we are pursuing tough deadlines, we do not intend to frustrate any property owner, so we will keep doing all we can to satisfy you, people, by paying compensations before demolition because we are all humans. I also plead that you understand with us and appreciate our efforts”.
In a related development, Prof. Ibanga, who is the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University, embarked on an unannounced inspection of ongoing road projects in Oron.
At Oron, the Commissioner told pressmen that he needed to make an on-the-spot assessment of the progress of work done by contractors, ahead of another release of funds by Governor Udom Emmanuel to further power the ‘completion agenda’ of the State Government.
Some of the roads visited were; Nung Atai Eta-Atabong road with landing jetty in Okobo L.G.A, dualization of the 13.5km Okopedi Okobo – Oron Road proceeding from Nung Atai Eta, Itak, Uyatie, Edeghi Awa Ikpi, Otti Oro, and Uya Oro villages in Okobo and Oron Local Government Areas.
Murtala Street; Atta Street; Oron Road; Market Street; Ekpenyong-Abasi street and many others.
At some of the project sites in Oron, the Commissioner voiced his dissatisfaction and displeasure with concerned contractors for their snail speed of work, despite receiving huge sums recently. While giving them marching orders to make significant progress, he vowed to take drastic actions if there are no milestone improvements by his next visit.
“I decided to visit your project site unannounced so that I see things for myself. I am very disappointed with what I’ve seen. I do not need to repeat myself that by the time I come back here in a few weeks if there are no milestones covered, I’ll be forced to take drastic action”. He warned
