Akwa Ibom community cries out over collapsed road

By Bassey Anthony, Uyo

Residents of Ikpa Road and its environs in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have cried out over threats to their lives and property due to the collapsed section of the community road.

The road, which connects Uyo City Polytechnic, a private institution in the state is said to have collapsed on Wednesday from encroachment of deep gully erosion.

This has posed serious threats to thousands of lives and property in the area as vehicles and tricycles (Keke Napep) conveying students, and villagers alike can no longer pass for fear of sinking into the ravine.

A source who spoke in confidence said since the road collapsed last week, students of the Uyo City Polytechnic and motorists have been having difficulties crossing over.

He said: “It’s very stressful now for residents of this village. Vehicles and Keke Napep carrying students and others have to stop for the occupants to trek to the other side to board another vehicle.”

Another resident, who identified himself as Emmanuel Okon called on the state government to save lives and property by intervening on the road without delay.

“We are calling on the state government to save us from this looming disaster. It needs urgent attention because if it rains two or three times again, the buildings will collapse,” he said.

The Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals Mr. Charles Udoh has issued a threat notice with the erection of caution barriers around the vicinity.

Udoh, in a statement made available to our correspondent yesterday explained that the caution barriers were to prevent human and vehicular traffic from falling into the ravine.

“Recall that a few months ago, the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals had erected caution barriers to prevent human or vehicular traffic from falling into the gully.

“This was to allow for site evaluation survey, development of engineering drawings as well as Bill of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation to guide the restoration works. These processes are currently ongoing.

“In the interim, members of the public are advised to avoid the vicinity, while motorists should use alternative routes.

“Residents, citizens and businesses in the affected neighbourhoods are advised to remain vigilant and evacuate the vicinity for now,” he said.