The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Akwa Ibom State has intensified supervision of ongoing rural road projects, emphasizing their critical role in boosting economic activities, improving access, and enhancing livelihoods in underserved communities.
During an unannounced inspection tour, yesterday, the State Coordinator, Pastor Gideon Akpan, led officials to assess the progress and quality of work on several road projects across Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas.
Among the projects inspected was the Nung Ukim–Ukwok–Ibam Edet road with a spur from Aba Itiat–Usuk Ukwok in Ikono LGA. The 6.19-kilometre road, handled by Bahago Services Limited, is currently at 48.01 per cent completion.
Also inspected was the Ikot Onwon Ediene–Ikot Nkwo–Ikot Idomo–Ikot Abia Nkwot road, another Bahago Services Limited project spanning 6.68 kilometres, with 45.49 per cent completion recorded.
In Ini LGA, the team visited the Ananamong–Eboh–Ikot Essien–Nchanebua road, including a spur leading to a cocoa plantation. The 3.42-kilometre project is being executed by AYF Development Nigeria Limited.
At the Naira Market (ALC) road project in Ikono LGA, constructed by Catch Mate Ventures Limited and measuring 12.13 kilometres, officials noted significant progress, with about 80 per cent of earthworks completed and stone base installation underway.
Speaking with Daily Times during the inspection, Akpan stressed the importance of maintaining construction standards, particularly drainage systems, to ensure durability of the roads.
He directed contractors to clear unsuitable materials blocking drains and to focus on proper stone base protection to prevent erosion, especially as the rainy season approaches.
“Our major concern is ensuring proper runoff from the road into natural channels. Contractors must remove all overburden obstructing drains to allow free water flow and prevent damage to the road infrastructure,” he said.
He also revealed that a nearby collapsed bridge, though currently outside the project’s budget scope, remains critical for linking about six communities and enhancing interconnectivity among local government areas.
At Ikono LGA, the team inspected the Ibiaku Ntukokpo road project, stretching from Ikot Ekpene through Mbiabong Ikot Udofia to Nung Ukim.
The 1.16-kilometre road, handled by the same contractor, is about 98 per cent completed and is expected to be ready for commissioning by the end of April 2026.
Akpan noted that the unscheduled visits were part of efforts to ensure compliance with project specifications and timely delivery.
The RAAMP coordinator emphasized that rural access roads are essential for economic growth and social development, particularly in agrarian communities.
He explained that such roads enable farmers to transport produce easily to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve income generation.
He added that improved road networks also enhance access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, while strengthening trade links between rural and urban areas.
According to him, the necessity for these roads stems from longstanding challenges faced by rural dwellers, including poor accessibility, isolation during rainy seasons, and limited market integration.
“With better roads, communities become more connected, businesses grow, and the standard of living improves,” Akpan stated.
He urged contractors to accelerate work while maintaining quality standards to ensure the projects are completed before peak rains, reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development and agricultural transformation.
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