‘We built it, they destroyed it’ — Senator Sampson laments vandalism of community projects

Senator Ekong Sampson says years of effort to improve lives in Mkpat Enin are being eroded by vandals who destroy vital public infrastructure across communities.

Sampson, who represents Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, raised the concern during an inspection tour of projects in Ikot Unya and its neighbouring communities.

“Some of the water and electricity projects I did as Mkpat Enin chairman were vandalised. That setback must stop,” he said.

He appealed to residents to take ownership of government projects, warning that recurring sabotage could ruin ongoing development efforts across the Eket Senatorial District.

The senator’s latest intervention includes the construction of two major roads in Mkpat Enin: Ibekwe-Akpanya-Ikot Unya-Iffe Town-Ekpuk and Nung Ukim III-Ikot Ekpe-Ikot Unya to Ikot Umiang Junction.

Both projects are being handled by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“These roads will fast-track development across Ikpa Ikono clan and Mkpat Enin at large,” Sampson said, adding that contracts have been awarded and work is set to begin once weather conditions improve.

The roads pass through the Ikpa Ikono, Ibiaku, and Ukpum Minya clans—areas the senator says have long been cut off due to poor infrastructure.

Sampson also used the opportunity to inspect other projects he has facilitated, including a new hostel block at Excellence College, a school he founded in 2014; the ongoing electricity reactivation from Ikot Unya to Ikot Umiang and multiple community water schemes.

He promised to donate a school bus to Excellence College and extend similar support to other schools across the senatorial district.

Despite these efforts, the senator said the destruction of previously completed water and power projects remains a major concern.

“We must end this culture of neglect. Communities must protect what we’ve built together,” he said.

Beyond Mkpat Enin, the senator has also facilitated the restoration of electricity in Ikot Akpandem, Okon Eket, and is currently overseeing ongoing works in Eyubiasang, Urue Offong Oruko LGA.

Water projects have been completed in Ekpuk, Mkpat Enin village, Ikot Ekpe, Ukam, Ikot Akpaden, and Ikot Essen.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Sampson is also overseeing the construction of health facilities at General Hospital Iquita in Oron, Immanuel Hospital in Eket, and General Hospital in Ikot Abasi.