*** Asks Agency to include the projects in its 2023 Budget
The House of Representatives has mandated the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to complete the abandoned hospitals and roads in Ukanafun LGA.
The projects include two nos 24 bed space Standard Comprehensive Health Centre, one at Ikot Udo Ossiom Community and the other at Ikot Udombang Community, as well as construction of about 2 km Idung Nneke-Ikot Akpa Idem road, all in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State
This followed a motion sponsored by Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday May 2, 2023.
Speaking on the motion, the Ukanafun born lawmaker noted that in 2004, NDDC awarded contracts to construct hospitals and roads in Ukanafun but lamented that the projects were abandoned due to non release of funds.
“Worried that non completion of these projects has brought untold hardship to the benefitting communities numbering about forty (40), as they travel long distances with their sick relatives using bad roads to access medical facilities. In most cases, patients die before getting medical help, man hour is lost due to travelling for long distance which impacts negatively on the economic well-being of the people.
“Aware that the completion of the hospitals and road projects by the NDDC will save lives, improve the health status of our constituents while the road project will ease movement, attract development and boost rural economy” Idem added.
In its unanimous decision, the House mandated the NDDC to include the hospitals and road projects in the 2023 budget before this Honourable House. It also asked the Committee on NDDC to liaise with the Agency to ensure compliance and report back to the House within two weeks.
Recall that barely a week ago, Idem made an unscheduled visit to two abandoned hospitals and road projects initiated and abandoned by the NDDC in Ukanafun dating back to 2004 and 2017 respectively. While briefing newsmen after the inspection, Idem promised to table the matter before his colleagues for prompt action. The decision of the House on the abandoned projects is a result of the action taken by Rep. Unyime Idem.
