Ikot Uduak residents resort to self help to fix bad road caused by erosion

Arising from the deplorable condition of the only road leading to the abandoned world Bank Assisted NEWMAP project in Ikot Uduak, in Calabar Municipal Council Area of Cross River State, residents of the area have resorted to self-help to fix the erosion affected portion.

The residents who had earlier sent an SOS to the Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu to come to their aid through the village Head, Her Highness Deaconess (Princess) Efiowan Asuquo Asibong published in LENS Online of Saturday May 13, 2023, lamented that since the contractor who was awarded the project by NEWMAP to channel water to the ravine which caused the collapse of buildings and loss of lives have since abandoned the job despite repeated appeals. The community out of frustration have resorted to tasking residents to fix the road to avert flooding from heavy rain.

The delay by NEWMAP which undertook the rehabilitation of the erosion damaged sites, roads and pathways in fixing the trouble spots has forced many residents to relocate to save their lives and properties during this years rainy season.

Some residents who spoke Wednesday to LENS on condition of anonymity revealed that the deep gullies all over the community have caused many houses adjacent the ravine to sink slanting towards edges of the cliffs thereby increasing their vulnerability to ecological hazards especially during heavy down pour. The resulting effect is injuries and death, aside losing properties worth millions of naira.

Effort by LENS Reporter to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche to convey the message to the governor for intervention proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)