Calabar Residents Urge Gov Otu, NDDC to Rehabilitate Deplorable Road
Residents of Assembly of God Road, off MCC Road in Ikot Uduak, Calabar Municipal Council, have appealed to Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to urgently intervene in rehabilitating the deteriorating road, describing the situation as an “emergency.”
Speaking on behalf of landlords in the area during an interview with journalists in Calabar on Wednesday, Engr. Edet Udoh lamented the poor condition of the road, noting that it has been neglected by successive administrations despite several appeals to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
Udoh explained that fixing the Assembly of God Road would significantly ease traffic congestion along the Old Parliamentary Road and serve as a strategic bypass from Effiotte Roundabout during the construction of the proposed flyover along MCC Road.
“If this road is rehabilitated, it will not only improve mobility but also provide an alternative route to decongest the ever-busy MCC Road corridor. We are appealing to Governor Otu and the NDDC to see this as a matter of urgency,” Udoh said.
He further urged Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents the Cross River South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, to use his influence to facilitate the road’s inclusion in upcoming intervention projects.
A pastor who lives in the area but preferred anonymity also expressed frustration over the state of the road, saying the continued neglect has made it difficult for residents to enjoy the benefits of Governor Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” and “People-First” agenda.
“We believe in the governor’s people-oriented vision, but the state of this road makes us feel left out. We hope that this administration will finally come to our aid,” he said.
Residents say the deplorable state of the road has caused not only traffic difficulties but also environmental challenges, especially during the rainy season when the area becomes nearly impassable.
They are therefore appealing to relevant government agencies to respond swiftly to prevent further deterioration and to ensure that the community begins to share in the developmental drive of the current administration.
