By Divine Sam
In Akwa Ibom State, business owners and residents along the Calabar-Itu Road are facing significant losses due to its prolonged closure, now exceeding five months. The closure, initiated in May 2024 by Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, aimed to facilitate construction of a 0.97km underground drainage system to address flooding in the area.
Originally expected to take one month, the project has been plagued by delays, leaving many businesses struggling. Shop owners, such as Golden, a supermarket proprietor, report severe drops in patronage, leading to expired stock and significant financial losses. “My business has almost folded up since this road was closed,” he stated.
Local bars and restaurants also suffer from diminished foot traffic. One beer parlour owner expressed frustration over wasted food and declining sales, lamenting the dramatic decrease in customers.
Residents have raised alarms about increased flooding, exacerbated by the roadwork. They report that floodwaters have damaged homes and property, with some families temporarily relocating to escape the impacts. One resident recounted a tragic incident where floodwaters carried away a corpse.
As commuters are forced onto alternative routes like Ikpa Road and Uyo Village Road, these roads have become heavily congested and deteriorated due to the influx of traffic. Residents criticized the slow progress of the contractor handling the project, calling for more efficient management.
In response, Commissioner Ibanga assured the public that the project would be completed by December, citing challenges posed by heavy rains. However, ongoing observations indicate little progress at the construction site, leaving many skeptical of the timeline.
Overall, the situation highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure planning and quicker responses to construction-related disruptions in the region.