Akwa Ibom govt pays N5 billion to contractors

THE Akwa Ibom State government has paid N5 billion to contractors handling major road contracts from the N10 billion loan it secured, the Commissioner for Works, Ephraim Inyang, has disclosed.

He told journalists yesterday in Uyo that the benefitting contractors include those handling Etinan-Ndoneyo and Etinan-Uyo roads, adding that government had also entered into agreement with the one undertaking Eket-Ibeno road for monthly disbursement of funds.

The commissioner added that the state government had already paid 60 per cent mobilisations fee to the affected contractors, noting that payment would be made in full before the commissioning of the infrastructures next year.

“Let me announce to you that in all the area roads given in the state, 60 per cent mobilisation was paid. It has not happened before. If you go to Ikot Udom in Ibiono, the Ukat road, Awa road, these projects were given 60 per cent up payment, and I guarantee you that the balance of 40 per cent shall be paid. And those roads shall be commissioned in February and March next year.