October 07, (THEWILL) — The Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Uko Friday Umoh, says the council has resolved the decade-long water scarcity affecting several rural communities as part of his administration’s one-year performance scorecard.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, to mark his first year in office, Umoh said functional water projects had been restored in Afaha Akpan Ekpo, Ikot Udo Otto, Ikot Eba, Iwor Etor, and Ayam Efa, giving residents access to clean water after years of dependence on unsafe sources.
He said the council provided new generating sets to power electric pumps and supported community-led efforts such as the resuscitation of the Ayam Efa water facility.
According to the chairman, the interventions were part of broader initiatives covering power, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and human development across the 12 wards of the council.
On electricity, the chairman said the council restored power supply to communities, including Ikot Nkang, Ikot Ibok, Ekpene Ukpa, and Etinan Motor Park axis, which had been in darkness for more than a decade. New poles and transformers were installed to revive economic and security activities in the affected areas.
In healthcare, the council renovated the Primary Health Centre at Ndon Utim in Urban Ward 2, improving access to immunisation and primary health services.
The chairman also stated that the council distributed over 20,000 branded exercise books to public primary schools and provided uniforms for 250 pupils of the Government Model School, Ikot Isong. In addition, 500 UTME forms were purchased for indigent students, with scholarships promised for those who gain admission into tertiary institutions.
On infrastructure, Umoh said the council’s grader, previously abandoned for seven years, had been reactivated for the grading of rural roads, while the Legislative Building was renovated with improved facilities.
He disclosed that work had commenced on a leisure park at Etinan Roundabout to enhance the town’s aesthetics and provide a recreational space for residents.
The council also renovated the Etinan Sports Stadium, leading to a strong performance at the 2025 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, where the area finished fourth overall.
Other interventions, according to the chairman, included financial support to widows, persons with disabilities, and members of the Nigerian Legion, as well as the provision of vehicles for the Leader of the Legislature and the Council Secretary to improve administration.
Umoh described the construction of an ultra-modern motor park along Etinan–Uyo Road as his administration’s signature project. The facility, nearing completion, will host transport terminals, lock-up shops, warehouses, and conveniences, projected to generate up to N10 million annually in revenue.
He credited the achievements to the cooperation between the council’s executive and legislative arms and the support of Governor Umo Eno.
The anniversary event, themed “A New Iman is Possible,” featured presentations on the administration’s first-year scorecard and development agenda.
