FACT AND FICTION. ABOUT UKELLE NORTH ROAD
Austin AGBOR in Ukelle
Today marks the third anniversary of the People’s First Administration, a milestone worthy of recognition and reflection.
A years back, the road infrastructure in some parts of Northern Cross River State was in a deplorable state. In Yala, especially in some sections of the North Ukelle axis, was inaccessible.
But on assumption of office, Sen. Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the 'People First Governor, tool the bill by the horns and awarded contracts for the reconstruction of Ukelle North road, spanning across 5 kilometres. Before the award of the contract, the Apata, Akede, Ilom, and Capital Hill was in unmotorable.
Facts about the 5 kilometres Yahe-Wanokom-wanikade Benue Border Road Project:
It is divided into sections 1 cutting across Apata – Okpodon (1 kilometre) and 2 axis running through
Ezekwe – Okpodon 3 – Okpaka – Wanokom (4 kilometres)
SECTION 1 DETAILS
* Excavation of unsuitable soil to a depth of 1.5 metres
* Filling works executed to 2 metres
* 600mm sand blanket completed
* Installation of impermeable geomembrane
* Additional 600mm sand blanket completed
* 400mm sand/laterite mix completed
* Expansion of road width from 7.3 metres to 10.3 metres to accommodate 1.5 metres on both sides
* 150mm stone base completed across the 10.3-metre width
* 2 kilometres of drainage completed
* Construction of 4 culverts and 2 short-span bridges completed
* Stone pitching completed
* Asphaltic binder course completed
*The contract was awarded to Coastbound Nigeria Limited
SECTION 2 DETAILS (4 KILOMETRES)
* Sand blanket completed
* Earthworks completed
* 5 kilometres of drainage completed
* Stone base completed, with only 1 kilometre outstanding
* Construction of 8 culverts and 1 short-span bridge completed
* Asphalt laying completed for 2 kilometres
* Stone pitching completed
NOTE:
Asphalted length is 3 kilometres
Qualitative delivery in conformity to federal highway Specification
FICTION
The North Ukelle road project is not abandoned in any way
The quality of work on the sections already constructed is poor, with some parts already deteriorating.
"Residents not expressing disappointment over the slow pace of work
Funds allocated for the project not mismanaged.
Not true that the contractor influenced the punishment handed to the protest representative.
"Not true that the Okpaka community near Ezekwe, where an uncompleted culvert has reportedly led to frequent accidents.
Not true that the condition of that section has become worse than before the construction started. Work is rather in progress.
Some Sections of the Ukelle North Road two years ago before the current construction work started.
THE BEAGLE NEWS
