... charges them to ensure success of the projects
By Ime Silas
The Chairman of Etinan Local Government Council, Hon. Uko Umoh has appointed three (3) Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) for the World Bank/Akwa Ibom State Government-Funded rural road projects billed to commence soon in Etinan Local Government Area.
The appointed persons are Mr. Anietie John Dickson for Ikot Itina-Oniong Road with a spur to Ndem Ikpe Market – Ikot Inyang; Mr. Ubong Ekpa for Ikot Abasi-Ikot Inyang Ossom-Afaha Iman Road with a spur to QIC Leprosy Hospital, Ekpene Obom and Mr. Emmanuel Obot for Efa junction-Ikot Ibok-Ikot Mfon Road.
Presenting their appointment letters at his Etinan Council Secretariat office today, Tuesday, 30th January, 2024, the Chairman urged the appointees to ensure that their actions or inactions did not jeopardize the work. He added that the cardinal objective of their appointments as stated in their appointment letters was to liaise between the contractors handling the projects and the host communities for the overall purpose of successfully executing the projects.
“Let me use this opportunity to forewarn that your appointments are not licences for you to go and fight with the contractors, the village heads or the political or community leaders. It is not a platform for political competition rather, it’s an opportunity for you to serve your people by ensuring that these projects are successfully completed”, Hon. Uko charged the appointees adding that, “If you do well, a higher call for a higher service could come”.
Parts of the CLOs’ duties according to the guidelines contained in their appointment letters signed by the Council Chairman read “You are expected to: act as a moderator between the host community and the contractor where there are issues and conflicts between both parties.
“Protect contractor from assault arising from host community uprise. Protect the host community from the contractor infringing on their rights and the likes”, etc.
The Council Boss also used the occasion to appreciate the World Bank for awarding the contract and Akwa Ibom State government for paying the prescribed counterpart funding.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Mr. Ubong Ekpa thanked the Council Chairman for the opportunity granted them to serve in their communities. He promised that they will execute their mandates in accordance with the terms of their appointments.
Present during the brief event were Chief of staff to the Chairman, Pastor Ubong Inyang; SA Youth, Hon. Item Etuk; former Council Secretary, Hon. Emmanuel Titus among others.