A Not- for-profit organisation, ‘Open Forum’ has raised concerns over the proliferation of potholes in some streets of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State as well as the emergence of indiscriminate refuse disposal points.
It noted that the situation aside defacing the capital city of Uyo has posed a threat to health of residents especially those living within the affected areas.
In a statement signed by the convener of the forum, Matthew Kofi Okono, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Sunda, he observed that some “officially” designated receptacle points are odd and absurd highlighting the one situated at Obio Imoh Street by the VIP Entrance to the Uyo Township Stadium and Primary School calling for its urgent relocation.
His words, “This refuse disposal point is posing great health risk to the pupils of the primary school, inhabitants of the environment and an eyesore to road users. It has also de-marketed the Uyo Township Stadium that usually hosts local and national sporting and socio-political events.”
The Convener also noted with dismay the delay in fixing the potholes that had dotted Uyo metropolis and environs by relevant agencies despite governor Umo Eno’s directives since 2024 even as he sought the use of local governments and the private sector (PPP) as agents for the effective and sustainable maintenance of potholes, refuse evacuation and water fountains/parks management in the state.
He called for a review, adoption and implementation of a “Grant Model to Councils for the Maintenance of Potholes and Environmental Sanitation by Local Government Councils” conceptualised by Dr Umanaette Udoh, a Local Government Accounting and Administration expert.
He explained that the model assigns certain responsibilities, such as fixing of potholes and environmental sanitation to local government councils with the state and federal governments providing grants to them to fix audited potholes on roads within their jurisdictions.
“The same model should apply to refuse evacuation and maintenance of hygiene.”
Okono wondered why a dedicated agency such as Akwa Ibom Roads and Other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency (AKROIMA)” created to ensure sustained road maintenance as well as other infrastructure could now appear so “incapacitated or incapable of executing its primary responsibility.”
While calling on those responsible to rise to the occasion, Okono disclosed that water fountains at Itam Junction, Ibom Plaza, Wellington Bassey Way and Aka Junction by Udo Udoma Avenue are perennially filthy, abandoned and a constant eyesore.
Okono, who recognized the efforts of successive administrations in developing Akwa Ibom stressed that the touted “Maintenance First” policy of the State and Federal Governments will “remain a mere mantra without result until well thought out reformative ideas are considered, adopted, given legal backings and implemented for the overall development of States and the country.”
