Maintenance Culture of Road Infrastructure and Socio Economic Development in Uyo Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

Abstract

The focus of this study was on the maintenance culture of road infrastructure and the socioeconomic development in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was guided by the assumptions of Talcott Parsons' Structural Functionalism Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of this study consisted of critical stakeholders which included eleven (11) Councilors, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and technocrats – Head of Local Government Service, Director of Finance, Director of Works, and Director of Environmental Health as key informants; and key workforce in AKROIMA and FERMA were part of the participants. The sample size for the study was 40 participants who were selected using purposive and snowballing non-probability sampling techniques. The study adopted observation, key informant interview (KII) and in-depth interview guide (IIG) as major instruments. The findings showed, among others, that maintenance culture is minimally felt in Uyo Local Government Area as a result of the slow response of the maintenance agencies to the deplorable roads in the area. Equally, prompt release of funds distorted by bureaucratic processes constituted a major hindrance to quick response which has affected the access to vital socio-economic institutions and marred the pace of socio-economic development in the study area. The study recommended stakeholders' concerted efforts through advocacy, support, and concern geared toward road maintenance for the development of social life and economic well-being.