Residents Hail Gov Eno As Rehabilitation Work Begins On 13.5km Okopedi–Uya Oro Road
Residents of Okobo and Oron Local Government Areas have expressed excitement following the commencement of rehabilitation works on the old Okopedi–Uya Oro Road, to expand access from the recently completed Nsit Atai-Okobo Road, in addition to the ongoing 13.4km Okopedi-East West Road.
Speaking during an assessment of the project at the CBT Junction, popularly known as Winners Chapel Roundabout, in Okobo, Victor Uno, commended Governor Umo Eno for extending the intervention to the old road while construction continues on the new route.
Uno said the decision has brought relief to residents of Okopedi, Nung Atai, Ati Abang, Uya-Oro and Oti Oro communities, who had depended on the old road for years.
He noted that many residents had not anticipated that the government would return to rehabilitate the existing road while simultaneously constructing the new lauout.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for considering the needs of the affected communities by extending them benefits of ongoing road development.
Providing details of the project, the project engineer, Engr. Aniekeme Otong of U & K Limited, said the Okopedi–Uya Oro Road spans approximately 13.5 kilometres, with an initial width of 11 metres, narrowing to 7.3 metres at certain sections.
He explained that the rehabilitation involves clearing and desilting existing drainage channels, repairing potholes and other damaged portions, and applying an asphalt overlay on the entire stretch.
Otong said patching works were ongoing, while the asphalt overlay would extend from Okobo Junction towards Oron.
He added that the government was giving the project the necessary attention to ensure it met the required standards, expressing optimism that it would be completed within one month.
Also expressing gratitude, Prince Emana Mbuk James, son of the village head of Nung Atai Ita in Okobo, said the community had sought assistance to repair the road for many years.
He commended Governor Eno for remembering them in the ongoing road infrastructure projects, while calling on appropriate traffic-safety measures, including speed bumps, citing over-speeding concerns by motorist who are excited aboutthe development.
Similarly, the Village Youth President of Nung Atai, Mr. Matthew Atting, described the project as a welcome development, expressing appreciation to the governor for responding to the community’s infrastructure needs.
Atting said the intervention confirmed that the government had not abandoned the road but was returning to undertake rehabilitation works, to provide the people more alternatives.
He highlighted the importance of the route, noting that it provides access to essential public facilities, including a Model primary school, police station, magistrate court and a high court.
Another resident, Alex Ukoh, also expressed happiness over the project, observing that successive administrations had left the road’s deteriorating condition largely unaddressed.
He thanked Governor Eno for the intervention and expressed hope that the people would take the development into account when making political decisions in the future.
The commencement of the rehabilitation has generated renewed optimism among residents, who believe that restoring the Okobo-Oron road alongside the completed 14.5Km Nsit Atai-Okobo dual carriageway and 13.5Km Okobo-East West dual carriageway, will improve connectivity, enhance access to public facilities and strengthen economic activities across the benefiting communities.
