World Bank Extols Quality on Akwa Ibom RAAMP Demonstration Road
The Task Team Leader (TTL) of the World Bank – sponsored Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Olatunji Ahmed has described the 11 kilometer demonstration road, executed by Akwa Ibom RAAMP as an excellent example for showcasing the project’s development objectives across the country.
He made the remark recently while on a site inspection / evaluation visit, as part of activities during the pre-mission exercise in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital.
Mission is a technical term adopted by most World Bank projects, which refers to an appraisal exercise aimed at evaluating the current implementation status of participant states in the projects, identify gaps, consolidate on areas of strengths and explore possible solutions to challenging issues as a way forward for an all-round success of the projects.
It could be recalled that four states namely: Kogi, Ebonyi, Abia and the host – Akwa Ibom had converged on Uyo for the event between May 20 – 22, 2024 at the banquet hall of Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo.
The team lead paid glowing tributes to the State Project Implementation Unit, SPIU, led by Pastor Gideon Akpan, the consultant supervisor and the project contractor over the hallmarks and general progress of the job and wished that other states would queue behind the Akwa Ibom example.
Also speaking, the Lead Infrastructure Engineer at the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of RAAMP, Engr. Burka Gana, who represented the National Coordinator, Engr. Aminu Mohammed, commended the Akwa Ibom team on “the impressive implementation of the project so far” and hoped that the spirit would be sustained.
On his part, the State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Pastor Gideon Akpan ascribed the feat to “the invaluable support and encouragement of His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno”; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, under whose ministry the project is domiciled; the State Project Monitoring Committee, SPMC, led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – Mrs. Mary Ukoette Bassey; and the teamwork approach to duties by the State Project Implementation Unit as well as other staff and stakeholders in the project.
He further thanked the consultant supervisor – Yaroson Partnership and the project contractor – China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) for executing the job in line with respective specifications and urged them to sustain the spirits for overall best results.
The 11 kilometer Owotuta – Nung Oku Ekere – Afaha Udo Eyop – Edeobom – Utuat market junction demonstration road, under RAAMP was flagged – off for construction in July, last year by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to be delivered within 18 months.
The road traverses seven communities, including Owotuta, Ikot Okubo, Ikot Ikerre, Itoko, Afaha Ikot Owop, Afaha Udo Eyop and Edeobom 1 – all in Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas of the state.
