Rural roads driving Akwa Ibom’s development

The Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project and the Arise Agenda Partnership were conceived at different times under varied circumstances but share common public goals. Both are strategic initiatives aimed at improving societal well-being, with a particular focus on enhancing the livelihoods of grassroots communities. These projects prioritise people-centred ideas to alleviate community challenges.

AKS-RAAMP is a tripartite development project funded by the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Akwa Ibom State Government. Also, the Arise Agenda is a policy framework by the Akwa Ibom State Government, led by Governor Umo Eno. “ARISE” stands for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructural Renaissance, Security, and Education, serving as a roadmap for the administration’s mandate. The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project aims to improve rural roads, market infrastructure, and small-span bridges or culverts to enhance living conditions and the general well-being of grassroots people.

Governor Eno demonstrated his commitment to the grassroots by flagging off an 11-kilometer Demonstration Road just 36 days into his administration. The road connects Owotuta, Ikot Okubo, Ikot Ikerre, Itoko, Afaha Ikot Owop, Afaha Udo Eyop and Edeobom 1, in Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas. He described AKS-RAAMP as a key component of his government’s efforts to open up rural communities for development.

Meanwhile, the China Roads and Bridges Corporation, the project contractors, recently reported a 70.07% completion rate and expressed optimism about finishing ahead of schedule. They have completed the subbase, stone base, drains, and cover slabs, with asphalt surfacing underway.

In May, a team from the World Bank and the Federal Project Management Unit, led by Task Team Leader, Olatunji Ahmed and National Coordinator Aminu Mohammed, conducted an evaluation of the project, describing it as a model for RAAMP’s objectives nationwide. This review was part of a pre-mission exercise involving all southern states participating in RAAMP. The 11-kilometer road, which traverses seven communities, serves as a major access route to Ekponwa market, one of the hubs set for upgrade under the project.

As a result, the Clan Head of Ibesikpo, His Royal Majesty Etebom Nsidibe Etuk, expressed satisfaction with the road’s rehabilitation, recalling how it once was a bustling hub for the community and neighboring areas, including the Igbo population, before it deteriorated.

Beyond the demonstration road, 36.766 kilometers of road construction has been mobilised under RAAMP’s backlog maintenance programme. Successful contractors were selected through a stringent procurement process to ensure quality and timely project delivery. An additional 110.92 kilometers of road construction is ongoing under the spot improvement component, with the project adapted to the state’s unique wetland terrain.

Crucially, the State Project Coordinator, Gideon Akpan, has consistently advocated for special consideration for Akwa Ibom due to its challenging rainfall patterns and topography. His latest appeal came during the 7th Implementation Support Pre-Mission and Mission held in Uyo and Abuja in May and June 2024.

Also, bids for the second phase of backlog maintenance, covering 34.40 kilometres of road across six local government areas, are currently being evaluated. Meanwhile, bids for the construction of 16.55 kilometres of roads in Okobo and Ini LGAs, under the upgrading component,  are also under review.

At the bid opening ceremony, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Offiong Offor, emphasised transparency and adherence to World Bank standards. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to developing rural communities to reduce urban migration and ease the strain on urban infrastructure.

 “RAAMP is a flagship project of the ARISE agenda, under the current administration of Akwa Ibom State, led by His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. All bidders should be rest assured of strict adherence to due process until the eventual emergence of the best team, and whoever would win the job should know and be ready on his or her part to execute same under strict adherence to specifications in the design,” Offor added.

For Akpan, he described the bidding process as a learning opportunity for all participants, even for those who may not win contracts. At least 29 bids from 22 companies are being evaluated for upgrading three agro-logistics hubs. The hubs are Ekponwa market in Nsit Ibom, Atabong beach market in Okobo, and Naira market in Ikono. These hubs will be transformed into modern agro-logistics centers under the AKS-RAAMP.

He said that “although it would not be possible for all the companies to emerge winners, yet every participant would certainly have something to learn and benefit in the course of the exercise— which they could leverage upon when subsequent opportunities arise, either within or beyond the project.”

To cushion the effects of these infrastructure projects on the people livelihood, the AKS-RAAMP also offers compensation to Project Affected Persons for crops and economic trees, contributing to job creation and improved livelihoods.

As AKS-RAAMP expands to more communities, it behooves all and sundry― men, women, youths and groups―to support and cooperate with the government for the sustainability of these feats.

Beyond RAAMP, the Arise Agenda’s rural development initiatives include the Ibom Model Farm project, road construction, electrification, and hydraulic infrastructure. These efforts, in collaboration with agencies like the State Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus and the Rural Electrification Agency, along with empowerment programmes for youth, women, and cooperative groups, are designed to stimulate grassroots development across the state. Public support and cooperation are essential to sustaining these achievements.