Akwa Ibom Road Inspection: Eno Uncovers Drainage Flaws, Orders Fresh Design
Governor Insists on Seeing Complained-About Section
AKWA Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has ordered the redesign of a section of the Afaha Atai Road project in Eket Local Government Area after personally uncovering what residents described as defective drainage construction capable of causing persistent flooding.
The governor issued the directive during an inspection of the project shortly after commissioning another road in the area. His visit came amid growing public concern over the quality of drainage works and allegations that the existing design would fail to adequately channel stormwater away from nearby residential communities.
Rather than relying solely on official briefings, Governor Eno insisted on visiting the exact location identified in complaints he had received from residents.
When officials initially escorted him to another section of the road, he questioned why they had avoided the disputed area.
“I have received complaints about this road,” the governor said, noting that he recognised he had been taken to the wrong location and directing his entourage to lead him to the affected section.
Residents Highlight Flooding Concerns
At the disputed location, Governor Eno invited residents to explain the challenges they faced.
A resident told the governor that although confidence remained high in the contractor’s overall capability, the drainage system had not adequately addressed flooding.
According to the resident, stormwater could not flow properly because the drainage alignment prevented runoff from adjoining compounds from entering the drainage channel.
The governor encouraged residents to speak openly, assuring them that no one would face intimidation for raising legitimate concerns about the project.
Governor Orders Redesign After Spotting Fresh Works
While extending the inspection to an adjoining road, Governor Eno noticed workers hurriedly laying a stone base, prompting him to question whether the activity had commenced only because of his visit.
He immediately directed that the drainage and road design be reviewed and reconstructed where necessary.
The governor reaffirmed his confidence in Hensek Integrated Services Limited, the contractor handling the project, but stressed that public infrastructure must meet acceptable engineering standards.
He announced that he would personally return to inspect the site within two months to verify that corrective measures had been implemented.
Earlier Warnings Reinforced Public Concerns
The governor’s intervention followed concerns raised months earlier by surveyor Udeme Ekong in a widely circulated video that criticised the drainage design.
Ekong argued that the elevation of the road and drainage channels would prevent floodwater from surrounding compounds from flowing naturally into the drains, thereby defeating the purpose of the drainage system.
He recommended a complete redesign to avoid recurring flooding and future environmental damage.
The latest inspection underscores the Akwa Ibom Government’s emphasis on quality assurance, project supervision and direct engagement with residents as infrastructure projects progress across the state.
