Ini Billie, Uyo
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan is billed to commission the 1kilometre Afi-Uko Nteghe Uda bridge on Etebi-Enwang Road, in Mbo Local government area, Akwa Ibom State on Monday.
The bridge which was at the 35 per cent execution stage when it was taken over by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel, is said to be the fourth longest bridge in Nigeria.
Speaking on the construction of the bridge on Friday in Mbo, Managing Director of AMITEC Construction Company, Aiman Saimua said the company took over the construction of the bridge between 2018/2019.
Saimua who stated that the bridge was durable for 150 years depending on the maintenance, noted that the community was supportive of the construction of the bridge as they did not encounter opposition from them during the construction of the project.
“Appropriately over 90 per cent of staff are from the community. We only have a few of us who are with us who are experienced in bridges. Overall, over 80 per cent of our staff are indigenes.
“This is appropriately the fourth longest bridge in Nigeria. We have Eko bridge in Lagos which is about 1,350 metres. We have the 3rd mainland bridge which is 10.5 or 11.5 kilometres. The existing Niger bridge is 1,035 metres. We carry the number 4 slot, 1,150 metres.
“All these are all Federal Government projects, I don’t think there is any state government project among them except this one,” he stated.
Commenting on the bridge, Mr Essien Ndueso, Special Assistant to the Governor, Research and Documentation said the bridge would open up the community, enhance the fishing business in the area and provide easy access to Esit Eket local government area.
“This bridge was started by former governor, Godswill Akpabio in 2008 since then, it has been a sad story of abandonment and poor contractual disposition to an agreement.
“This bridge was only 35 executed when Governor Udom Emmanuel took over the office in 2015 and he had to get a contractor who specialises in bridge construction, AMITEC to get to work.
“Right now, the bridge is 100 per cent completed. It is a 1.5-kilometre bridge and has walkways on both sides.
“This bridge is part of a 19-kilometre road project in this community,” he stated.