The House of Representatives has mandated the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete its abandoned projects in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The projects are 24-bed standard comprehensive health centres at Ikot Udo Ossiom and Ikot Udombang villages, as well as construction of a 2-km Idung Nneke-Ikot Akpa Idem Road.
This followed a motion by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem, in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Recall that a week ago, Idem paid an unscheduled visit to the projects initiated and abandoned by the NDDC from 2004 to 2017 respectively in Ukanafun, pledging to table the matter before his colleagues for prompt action.
Moving the motion, the Ukanafun-born lawmaker recalled that in 2004, NDDC awarded contracts for the construction of health centres and road in Ukanafun, lamenting 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 health centres 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 stated.
In its unanimous decision, the House mandated the NDDC to include the health centres and road projects in the 2023 budget before the House.
It also asked the Committee on NDDC to liaise with the agency to ensure compliance and report to the House within two weeks.
