Collapsed Calabar- Itu highway national embarrassment – Group

The sorry state of the Odukpani/Itu/Ikot Ekpene federal highway has drawn the ire of a pressure group, Cross River South Consultative Forum, which, Friday, described the abandoned road as a ‘national embarrassment.’

Speaking in a press conference in Calabar, the leader of the group, Barr Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the failed road, which links Cross River with Akwa Ibom states, has degenerated into a death trap

Barr Ekpo, who was flanked by 14 other members, two each from the seven local government areas of Cross River South, said “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.”

The group demanded an “urgent and full-scale rehabilitation of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene
Federal Highway, ” and therefore called on the federal government to “prioritize this road and take immediate steps to ensure it completion.”

The group also called on the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, to honour the promise of bringing on stream a tripartite committee to track the progress of work and ensure accountability.

The Cross River South Consultative Forum, however commended 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.” It charged contractors, Julius Berger and Sematech, “to take responsibility for their roles in the current state of affairs.”