RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
Residents of Okobo and Oron Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have expressed satisfaction over the commencement of rehabilitation work on the 13.5-kilometre Okopedi–Uya Oro Road by the administration of Governor Umo Eno.
The road rehabilitation project, which is expected to be completed within one month, is aimed at improving transportation, restoring deteriorated sections of the existing road and strengthening connectivity between communities in the two local government areas.
The intervention forms part of ongoing road infrastructure development in the area, complementing the completed Nsit Atai–Okobo dual carriageway and the ongoing construction of the Okopedi–East-West Road.
Residents described the decision to rehabilitate the existing road while work continues on a new route as a welcome development that could ease transportation difficulties and provide alternative access to communities and public facilities.
RESIDENTS PRAISE GOVERNOR FOR ADDRESSING ROAD CHALLENGES
Speaking during an assessment of the rehabilitation work at CBT Junction, popularly known as Winners Chapel Roundabout, in Okobo, a resident, Victor Uno, commended Governor Eno for extending infrastructure development to the existing Okopedi–Uya Oro Road.
Uno said residents had endured difficulties associated with the road’s deteriorating condition for several years and were pleased that the state government had commenced rehabilitation.
According to him, the intervention would benefit communities including Okopedi, Nung Atai, Ati Abang, Uya Oro and Oti Oro.
He explained that many residents had expected the government to concentrate on constructing the new road rather than undertake rehabilitation of the old route simultaneously.
Uno described the decision as a positive response to the transportation needs of the affected communities.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for recognising the importance of the existing road to residents who depend on it for their daily activities.
CONTRACTOR EXPLAINS SCOPE OF REHABILITATION WORK
Providing technical details of the project, the engineer handling the rehabilitation, Aniekeme Otong of U & K Limited, disclosed that the road covers approximately 13.5 kilometres.
He explained that the carriageway has an initial width of about 11 metres, narrowing to approximately 7.3 metres in some sections.
According to Otong, the rehabilitation involves clearing and desilting existing drainage channels, repairing potholes and damaged portions of the pavement, and applying an asphalt overlay along the road.
He said patching work was already ongoing as part of preparations for the asphalt overlay, which would extend from Okobo Junction towards Oron.
The engineer explained that clearing blocked drainage channels was an important component of the project because effective drainage would help protect the rehabilitated pavement from water-related deterioration.
He expressed confidence that the project would be executed in accordance with the required standards.
Otong also indicated that the rehabilitation was expected to be completed within one month, subject to the progress of work and prevailing site conditions.
COMMUNITY LEADER CALLS FOR SPEED CONTROL MEASURES
Prince Emana Mbuk James, son of the village head of Nung Atai Ita in Okobo, also welcomed the commencement of the project.
He explained that residents had appealed for the rehabilitation of the road for several years because of its importance to transportation and community development.
James commended Governor Eno for including the road in the administration’s infrastructure programme.
However, he urged the state government and the contractor to incorporate appropriate road safety measures, particularly in sections passing through residential communities.
He specifically called for the installation of speed bumps or other suitable traffic-calming measures to discourage excessive speeding after the rehabilitation.
According to him, improved road conditions could encourage motorists to travel at higher speeds, making preventive safety measures necessary to protect pedestrians and other road users.
His appeal highlighted the need to balance improved mobility with the safety of residents living and conducting business along the route.
ROAD PROVIDES ACCESS TO SCHOOLS, COURTS AND POLICE FACILITIES
The Village Youth President of Nung Atai, Matthew Atting, described the rehabilitation as a welcome intervention that would improve access to important public institutions.
Atting commended the governor for responding to the community’s longstanding concerns about the condition of the road.
He noted that the route serves several essential facilities, including a model primary school, police station, magistrate court and High Court.
According to him, the road’s importance extends beyond ordinary vehicular movement because residents depend on it to access education, security and judicial services.
He explained that rehabilitating the existing route would also provide an alternative for motorists and residents as construction continues on other roads in the area.
Atting expressed optimism that the project would reduce transportation difficulties and improve movement between neighbouring communities.
RESIDENTS EXPRESS HOPE FOR LASTING IMPROVEMENTS
Another resident, Alex Ukoh, expressed satisfaction with the commencement of the rehabilitation, describing it as an intervention that had been anticipated for many years.
Ukoh said the road had deteriorated over time without receiving the level of attention residents considered necessary.
He commended Governor Eno for undertaking the project and expressed hope that the rehabilitation would provide lasting relief to communities along the route.
The resident also suggested that government performance on infrastructure could influence how citizens assess political leaders in future elections.
His comments reflected the importance some residents attach to visible infrastructure projects when evaluating the responsiveness of government to community needs.
REHABILITATION EXPECTED TO BOOST CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
The Okopedi–Uya Oro Road serves communities across Okobo and Oron Local Government Areas and provides access to residential settlements, public institutions and local commercial activities.
Its rehabilitation is expected to improve driving conditions, reduce difficulties associated with damaged pavement and support more efficient movement of people and goods.
The project is also expected to complement the completed Nsit Atai–Okobo dual carriageway and ongoing road construction projects within the area.
Together, these interventions could provide improved transportation links and additional travel options for residents.
However, the full benefits of the rehabilitation will depend on the quality of construction, effective drainage, road safety provisions and subsequent maintenance.
For residents of Okopedi, Nung Atai, Ati Abang, Uya Oro, Oti Oro and surrounding communities, the commencement of work has renewed expectations that longstanding transportation challenges will be addressed.
With the contractor projecting completion within one month, attention is expected to remain on the pace of construction and the quality of the finished road.
The development reflects the Akwa Ibom State Government’s ongoing road infrastructure programme, with residents expressing hope that the rehabilitated route will improve accessibility, enhance road safety and support economic activities across the benefiting communities.
