Group Raises Alarm Over Bad State of Calabar-Itu Highway

A socio-political organisation under the aegis of Cross River South Consultative Forum has berated the minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi for the inability to complete the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway which links Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, and called for an intervention by the federal government.

The aggrieved group described the abandoned road project as a national embarrassment which should be attended to before the commencement of the rainy season.

In a media parley at the Ernest Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, the group’s leader, Barr Eyo Nsa-Ekpo stated that the abandoned road project has degenerated to a death-trap.

“Accidents, injuries and deaths have become a common occurrence on this road yet the federal government and contractors handling the project continue to show a lack of urgency in addressing the crisis.

“The economic consequences are severe, with rising costs of goods and services as a direct result of the transportation nightmare. Beyond the economic toll, the human cost is even more devastating.

“Pregnant women, the sick and accident victims endure horrific experiences while attempting to access medical care. The security risk posed by the road’s terrible state has also escalated, as criminals take advantage of stranded motorists to perpetrate robberies and kidnappings.

“The rainy season has only worsened the situation, with long stretches of the road becoming completely impassable.

“Commuters are forced to spend hours on a journey that should take minutes, while transporters struggle with frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased operational costs, and loss of revenue,” he said.

Barr Eyo who spoke on behalf of 14 members called for an urgent and full-scale rehabilitation of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway.

“We therefore call on the federal government to prioritise this road and take immediate steps to ensure its completion,” he stated.

The group urged the minister of Works to honour the promise of bringing on stream a tripartite committee that would track the progress of work and ensure accountability.

The group lauded Gov Bassey Otu for paying off all outstanding compensations and securing the permit from the National Inland Waterways Authority to enable Julius Berger construct some of the outstanding bridges and urged Julius Berger and Sematech to live up to their expectation by delivering the project according to specifications.