From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Senior Special Assistant to governor Umo Eno on Research and Documentation Dr Essien Ndueso has warned against construction of illegal structures on proposed road construction sites with mischievous intention to receive compensation from government.
Ndueso was reacting over emergency buildings spinning up along road construction project site on Afaha Offiong – Itreto road project .
Speaking during a live radio interview on a magazine programme titled “ARISE Akwa Ibom” on Comfort 95.1 FM on Friday, Uyo , Dr. Ndueso expressed concern over the mushroom buildings springing up in the area, warning that Government will not condone antics meant to milk funds for pseudo-projects.
“Anyone who builds illegal structures along roads designated for construction and expansion will likely suffer monumental losses as government will not be driven by sentiments to part with public funds.”
He said while Governor Umo Eno is passionate about building and expanding infrastructure, especially to open up rural communities government will not patronize shenanigan attempts to cook up illegal structures on project corridors, with a view to extorting funds from Government.
“Illegal structures built along the right of way will be demolished without hesitation to pave the way for road projects.b
“His Excellency the Governor has proposed the dual carriage way for Nung Udoe – Afaha Nsit Road to open up Ibesikpo and Nsit Ibom local government areas, and has also announced another dualization for Afaha Offiong – Itreto Road for the Agrarian communities within Nsit Ibom through Nsit Ubium”.
“That is the axis you have the Ibom Model Farm. And that is serious development springing up in those areas. As indigenes and primary beneficiaries, it is expedient for the indigenes to welcome this initiative with open arms rather than attempting to frustrate government efforts with shambolic demands”,
He warned that such hasty constructions would not derail Government’s agenda to implement meaningful projects for the benefit of Akwa Ibom residents.
“Once the bulldozers move in to establish the right of way, no amount of wailings, sentiments or traditional injunctions would prevail against the humming sound of the marauding machines.
“The Governor’s rural development plans will not be compromised by selfish interests.
“The high cost of building materials, including cement at ₦9,800 and a tipper load of sand at ₦45,000 will not be considered against the financial losses individuals would incur when such structures are inevitably removed without any compensation.” He said