Our plans for displaced people - UCCDA BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Following the demolition of illegal structures in the city of Uyo, the chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Hon. Ignatius Edet has highlighted the achievements of the board in the last 10months.

Briefing journalists at the NUJ press centre, Hon. Ignatius Edet mentioned that Ikpa Road, Uniuyo-Urua Ekpa junction has been recovered; that all illegal traders and their shanties have been removed and the road, made clear for motorists and pedestrians to transverse.

He also noted that wellington Bassey way-Dominic Utuk Avenue and its environs have been cleared of all make-shift structures to reveal the beauty of the main entry to the seat of the state government where all state visitors traverse. Amongst other routes which have been cleared are Abak Road up to Ekom Iman junction, Edet Akpan Avenue and others which he said has been cleared, monitored to avoid further investment and the marking of illegal structures as well as the review of the building plan approved to fast track renovation processes. 

 The chairman further disclosed alternative plans for displaced people “arrangements have been made for off-street parking. For instance, we have demolished a dilapidated storey building at Oron Road to provide off-street parking and work is ongoing” Hon. Edet maintained that arrangements have been made for corner shops while places have been identified for parks; adding that plans to meet with the village heads, women leaders, youth leaders and chairmen of village councils in the capital city to inform them of their activities and solicit support to avoid unnecessary public outcry has been made.

The former Speaker of the State House of Assembly said the duties of UCCDA are indeed intended to promote the living standards of residents of the capital city while also protecting government interest in physical planning and development.

According to the UCCDA chair “the Governor’s quest to make Akwa Ibom a destination has further deepened the call to put Uyo in order as visitors to the state are likely to judge the state by the standard of physical developments of its capital city. Therefore development control had never been initially applauded but has always been appreciated at the end”.