FERMA PRAISES SEN. ORJI, FLAGS OFF UMUAHIA-IKOT-EKPENE ROAD

In response to Senator Theodore Orji’s persuasive and proactive representation, which has transformed in less than 20 months lives of his constituents, Federal Government weekend commenced reconstruction work on the failed section of Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene Express-way.

FG through the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had advertised in Thisday Newspaper of Monday, June 13, 2016 for expression of interest for constituency service for the maintenance/repairs of the deplorable road which serves as major link between Abia and Akwa-Ibom States.

“Government’s deci¬sion to fix the highway was due to the pressure from the National Assembly members from Abia State, especially Sen. Orji and Hon. Sam Onuigbo.

“Their pressure on FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works for the rehabilitation of the road was so tense that an emer¬gency meeting had to be con¬vened by the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, in Abu¬ja, where the plan for the pal¬liative work was unveiled and ratified,” Mr. Abraham Akange, FERMA representative said.

Akange further said that adequate provisions had been made for the project and urged the con¬tractor to do a quality job.
A delighted Sen. Orji said, “The plight of my people of Abia central senatorial district and mo¬torists would be reduced by this palliative work, especial¬ly during the Yuletide.”

He however urged FERMA and the contractor to ensure that the project was not abandoned adding that he and Onigbo will ensure the completion of the project.

In his remarks also, Onuigbo expressed joy that at last the government had decided to give attention to the road.

“The rehabilitation of the highway was one of my major campaign promises,” said Onuigbo who is the Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change.

“Full rehabilitation of the road would commence next year, as it has been captured in the 2017 Budget,” he added.