Urbanisation

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Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat gets new structures, plus a new look

Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, attracts more than a passing look these days from visitors and residents because of its new looks. The state government has successfully completed the 2 nd phase of the magnificent complex which is the hub of the civil service operations in the state.

Named after the former military administrator of the state, Idongesit Nkanga, the secretariat sits on an expanse of land which spread from Abak Road to IBB Avenue, and originally had ten blocks of building, four-storey each. The additional six new blocks designed and built by Governor Victor Attah administration brings the total number to sixteen, therefore making it one of the largest state government secretariats in Nigeria. This is excluding the SUBEB building and that of the Office of the Accountant General of the State which is still to the credit of the present administration. SUBEB is the acronym for Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board.

The 2nd phase of the secretariat has about 488 office accommodation and an exhibition hall/auditorium that seats 670 or so number. All the blocks in the secretariat are superbly linked together to ease movement from one ministry to another even on a rainy day. It has two major courtyards, each measuring about 50m/40m, and a multiple parking lots that can take up to 600 cars. The ceremonial roundabout at the heart of the secretariat alone can accommodate 50 cars. There is also a mini-water scheme, fire hydrant, and emergency entry and exit points.

The solid road network, the streetlights, the many lawns, the beautiful flowers and the walkways, including other new special features, give the complex a splendid look. Outside its main entrance, by the Westside, is the bus shelter where vehicles conveying government workers and visitors would pick and drop off passengers to avoid traffic congestion within. There are concession stands in the bus shelter for sales of confectioneries and snacks.

Jardin Development Associate and J P. Sigma Nigeria are the two main contractors on the project; the former handles the secretariat buildings while the later works on the horticulture, landscaping, and the electrical, civil and mechanical works, the road network and the drainage. According to Iroigak Ikann, an engineer and the commissioner for Lands and Housing in Akwa Ibom, the main building block which is at 90% state of completion cost about N2.8 billion and the external work which is at 80% completion is valued at about N1.8 billion.

The pictures here are just too beautiful, happy viewing!

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