Akwa Ibom contractors get lifeline as Eno releases N123.5bn for completed project
Akwa Ibom contractors have received a lifeline following Governor Umo Eno approval if ₦123.5 bn for the payment of mobilisation fees, right-of-way compensation, and the settlement of due Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) to those handling various road projects in the State.
Akwa Ibom contractors have received a lifeline following Governor Umo Eno approval if ₦123.5 bn for the payment of mobilisation fees, right-of-way compensation, and the settlement of due Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) to those handling various road projects in the State.
The construction of roads and bridges had slowed down due to reports of non payment of contractors by the state government.
The projects which cover over 167 km of roads, include the Ikwe–Odio Road; the six-lane dualisation of Nnung Udoe–Afaha Offiong–Afaha Nsit with a rotary intersection; the dualisation of Afaha Offiong–Ikot Imoh–Itreto; and the reconstruction of the Ikot Akpaden–Okorete–Iko Road with two mini bridges in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas, among others.
Aniekan Umanah, commissioner for information who made this in a statement indicate that a breakdown of the amount showed that ₦69bn is earmarked for newly awarded projects, while ₦54.5bn has been released to service outstanding IPCs and additional works on existing projects.
“The essence of this payment is to encourage contractors handling the various projects to take full advantage of the construction season and deploy all necessary resources to ensure the timely completion of the projects within the agreed timeframe, ” the statement added.
According to him, the approval for the release of the funds “underscores the Governor Umo Eno’s commitment on delivering on the infrastructure expansion mantra of the Arise Agenda. “
