The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has commissioned 168 reconstructed houses at the Wellington Bassey Army Barracks, 6 battalion, Ibagwa in Abak local government area of the state.
Speaking at the occasion on Wednesday, Emmanuel said as a responsible federating unit, the government of the state will continue to support federal institutions to function properly.
He stated that the pitiable situation of the barracks during his last visit motivated him to initiate the project, adding that it was part of activities by the State Government to celebrate Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary.
“The pitiable situation of the barracks caught my attention when I came on inspection with the then Commander of 2 Brigade. What I saw was very disturbing and I decided that I will change the story of this barracks for good.
“Today we are witnesses to the new aura of this barracks as we commission the phase 2 of my interventions here in this barracks. I decided to add the water scheme to help the residents with their water needs and improve the living conditions of the residents.
“I have been told of the issues relating to power unavailability in the barracks and I’m determined to do something about it. By next year this time, we will be here again to commission the power infrastructure,” he said.
In his speech, the Commander 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. F. Mijinyawa said the Chief of Army Staff and the leadership and men of the brigade, were pleased at the quality and prompt delivery of the projects.
He thanked the Governor for his consistent care and concern for army personnel.
The Commissioner of Housing, Mr Raphael Bassey, whose ministry supervised the reconstruction of the barracks, assured that standards were strictly observed in the execution of the entire reconstruction.
He stated that the second phase of the reconstruction consists of 84 houses for soldiers of the rank of corporal and below, as well as the houses earlier commissioned, brings the total number to 168.
The wife of one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Isah commended the Governor for giving them a comfortable accommodation and good drinking water, adding that before the intervention, the houses were leaking and life was very difficult.
