The Akwa Ibom State Caucus of the National Assembly say they are greatly impressed by the magnitude and speed of work at the ongoing Isolation Centre and expressed optimism that the State is sufficiently prepared for the post COVID-19 era.
Speaking through the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Dr Chris Ekpenyong, the Federal Lawmakers described the project as top of the range and perhaps the only permanent Isolation Centre built by any State government in the wake of the dreaded and prevalent COVID 19 pandemic.
The lawmakers who visited the project site located in Ituk Mbang, Uruan Local Government, for a facility tour, today, were led by the Senator Ekpenyong.
They lauded the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for not only building a permanent structure but driving the project at a speed that marvels everybody.
Sen. Ekpenyong said Gov. Emmanuel has further proven his vision, concerns for indigenes and residents in the State, as well as his proactive leadership.
“Gov Udom Emmanuel has initiated this project in furtherance of offering a more improved and accessible healthcare services to Akwa Ibom people and residents in the State. With what we have seen in terms of concept, design and sophistication and the more that are to come, I want to use this occasion to commend and thank Governor Udom Emmanuel, on behalf of my colleagues for his vision and pragmatic approaches in contending the Corona Virus, and again thinking practically about the health of Akwa Ibom people”.
Senator Ekpenyong equally lauded the State Commissioner of Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen for his dedication and ability to interpret the governor’s vision.
The Lawmakers however observed with disappointment, the failure of the Federal Government and the Local Content Commission to give any support to the Akwa Ibom State government in the construction of the Isolation Centre, like it is the case to some States that are even managing temporary structures for COVID 19.
“This massive project has been undertaken by the state government alone “, the senator emphasized, adding that, post COVID-19, the State is sufficiently equipped to manage and contain the future outbreak of any othrr disease.
Conducting the team round sections of the project, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen, whose ministry supervises the project, disclosed that only 27 days have so far been spent and that the governor has made available everything needed to meet the deadline for completion.
Places visited include a hall designed to serve as wards, comprising a-200 bed unit for male and female patients and another designed for 100 beds for VIPs.
Other structures visited include a twin building for clinical and virology laboratories, reception, doctors consulting rooms, separate and already completed and furnished houses for the Chief Medical Director and Secretary; canteen, generator room and doctors quarters, etc.
On the entourage were senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Dr Akon Eyakenyi; Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Barrister Onofiok Luke; those of Abak, Uyo and Ikot Abasi federal constituencies, Hon. Aniekan Umana, Hon. Mike Enyong and Hon. Francis Uduyok respectively.
The Isolation Centre shares same premises with General Hospital at Ituk Mbang, Uruan Local Government Area.
