By Samuel Udoma
The ongoing expansion of the Airport Road in Uyo handled by HENSEK Integrated Services, one of the finest construction firms in the country, is not only timely, but very strategic. The Airport Road has become a major entrance into the State via the Victor Attah International Airport. Thousands of vehicles ply the road daily, with Oron road equally housing dense human settlements in Shelter Afrique, Ifa, Mbiabong, Ibiaku and the environs.
The road expansion was necessitated by the surge in vehicular movements on the road, nearly overcrowded road users and the need to stretch the metropolis. Consequently, the project has already witnessed positive ripple effects. High-end estates and property developers have sprung and are doting nearly every kilometer throughout the length of the road.
Handlers of the project, HENSEK, has received praises for his topnotch, innovative engineering and timely delivery over time. The top indigenous firm, headed by Engr. Uwem Okoko, has put its midas touch on a number of key projects in the state. Notable among them include the internationally acclaimed 10 lanes Ring Road 3, 6 lanes Ring Road 2, and numerous internal roads across the state.
The expansion of the Airport Road is dear to the heart of Gov. Udom Emmanuel. Since coming on board about 8 years ago, Gov. Emmanuel has been very intentional about changing the industrial landscape and infrastructural perception of Akwa Ibom State.
Ibom Air and its attendant subsidiaries, has been one of such interventions. The newly expanded road will complement the New Ultra Modern Terminal at the airport, further deepening the State’s status as the new national destination.
HENSEK, whose abilities the Governor trusts, was called upon for the all important expansion.The project has been etched on near perfection – totally devoid of the usual rancours of compensation payment and community hassles. The host communities have very receptive.
Worthy of note is the fact that, the newly widened Airport Road is already of immense economic importance to the state. It is the route that welcomes the world into Akwa Ibom State. Its beauty and serenity instantly serves as metaphor to the ideals that stand Uyo and Akwa Ibom out in the comity of states and capitals. In perspectives, visitors see Akwa Ibom first from the Airport Road.
The route also opens up the state into a projected major industrial catchment area – Oro, where it empties into the Atlantic which will house the Ibom Deep Seaport. Oro is also known for fishing and of course, a coastal terminal that links Calabar by water. It is only befitting and very futuristic.
HENSEK as usual, has brought finesse to the road expansion. New medians are being concreted to not only segment category of road users, but to also heighten the majesty and composition of the road. The expansion has eliminated shanty houses on such a major road and are being replaced with modern structures to further add beauty and cosmopolitancy.
How the expansion of the Airport Road will maximally boost economic activities in the area and State cannot be overemphasized. So far, estate owners and landlords on the route are counting their lucks, for a good road is the one of the major drawers of new settlements.
Housing development will witness great boom and more developers will capitalize on the access roads provided by the expansion. New hubs and settlements will not only stretch the town further, but will open up new markets even closer to resource materials.
With the expansion nearing completion, plyers of the road have already been lauding the ease of drive and a sense of spatial luxury they are now being accorded. The Governor’s vision was to get an expressway from the airport to town, through HENSEK’S ingenuity and interpretation, that is today – a reality. Enjoy the world class road and drive safely.
