A’Ibom residents lament abandoned street for 40 years
Akpan Umoh, Uyo
Residents of Udotung Uboh Lane in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, are unhappy over the bad state of the street whose road has remained abandoned for over 40 years.
They described the less than 1km street as the worst in Uyo. The street connects two other streets – Kelvin and Udo Otung Uboh streets: these other streets have not witnessed any vehicular movement for over 20 years.
More than five metres of gullies have eaten parts of the street, making it almost impossible for people to cross to another side of the street.
It was learnt that the small trees grown in the middle amidst tall shrubs with nasty smelling stagnant pools of water, dots every inch of the street.
Speaking to newsmen, a resident, Mr Michael Essien, said that not only has no vehicle driven on the street for over 20 years, but dangerous reptiles have also taken abode on it, making it risky on foot, especially during the rainy season.
“This street has been like this even before the creation of Akwa Ibom state. It is bad to the extent that no government regime has ever come to the aid of this community.
“Over 20 years now, no vehicle has entered this road, but as a community through our community effort always ensure that the street is walkable. We are appealing to the government and its agencies to come to our aid.
“During this rainy season, the whole area including people’s houses and shops are always flooded with water, thereby leaving some houses and shops unoccupied and useless.
“Therefore, we beg the government to please come and rescue us in this situation so as to bring development to the area.
“There was a time ministry of Works Came to inspect the road and ever since then we have not heard the outcome of their Inspection.
Mr Udeme Ikpat, who resides within the area said that the road has been like this even before the regime of Obong Victor Attah as the then governor of Akwa Ibom state.
“I am a carpenter but due to the bad condition of this street, nobody recognises the existence of a carpenter in this area. “
“My shop is empty and I am always stranded because this is my only source of income. We have lost so many of our properties. Our documents have been damaged because of the flood,” Ikpat said.
Our correspondent who visited the area weekend also discovered that due to neglect by successive governments, many residents have made illegal encroachment on the road through the indiscriminate building of parameter fences, houses and shops making it increasingly vulnerable to flooding and gully erosion.
