FEATURE: Despair and disappointment as Akwa Ibom communities battle flood impacts

As rain continues to fall on Tabernacle Road, the community’s plight underscores the broader issue of infrastructure neglect and the urgent need for effective governance and accountability.

In the heart of Akwa Ibom State, a community is suffering from damaged road infrastructure as residents are forced to walk through knee-deep floodwaters after every rain.

The community is Nwut Usiong Village, Ibiaku Itam II Itu LGA of Akwa-Ibom State.

Project

In 2020, the Akwa Ibom state government budgeted N58 million for the construction of Tabernacle road in the community, a project aimed at alleviating the hardships of residents using the road and bringing about economic development.

The project will be monitored by the country’s public works ministry.

In 2022, N58 million was also budgeted for the same project. For 2023, N80 million was budgeted. N1 billion appeared in the 2024 budget for the same purpose.

But today, Tabernacle Road is a grim situation. Knee-deep floodwaters have turned this once vital route into a dangerous one. While homes remain dry, the road has been damaged, forcing drivers to use emergency routes across people’s yards and fronts.

Difficulty

During UDEME’s visit to the project site in May, it was discovered that the project had been abandoned.

A local resident, Udosen Eyo, said the road had been damaged for the past five years.

The abandoned Tabernacle Road project has plunged the community into a health crisis.

Residents are worried and fearful of increasing health risks. Malaria, already a persistent problem, is getting worse as mosquitoes breed in stagnant floodwaters.

Sarah Uko, a resident, expressed her concerns: “We live in fear of getting sick, coupled with the current economic conditions.”

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John Ita, another resident, voiced his opinion: “We are worried about the spread of malaria, which is already a big challenge.”

“Driving here risks damaging the vehicle,” Nsikak Udo, a taxi driver, shares his daily struggles: “I use this road every day, but now I avoid it. Floods have made it impassable, so I am forced to find alternative routes through the yards. It is risky, but there is no other choice.”

Loveth Ekpe, a local shop owner, described the economic impact: “Our customers can’t reach us anymore. The roads are badly damaged, and we feel like we’ve been forgotten.”

Students, like Samuel Okafor from the University of Uyo, face disruptions to their studies: He said: “Going to class has become a nightmare. I have to wade through floodwaters every day, which affects my studies and concentration.”

Passengers also suffer physical discomfort due to road conditions.

“The constant bumps are hurting my back,” complained one regular commuter. “It’s very tiring and painful.”

Progress

However, when this reporter visited the site again on June 27, work on the Tabernacle Road project had resumed.

A new drainage system is now under construction.

This will not only benefit Tabernacle Road but also the surrounding areas such as Afaha Ube, Calabar-Itu Highway and Ikot Ekpene. The governor’s decision to restart the project is good news for the people.

Contractors involved in the project acknowledged the challenges but expressed commitment to improvement.

“We are focused on improving the drainage system and speeding up the progress,” said Engr. Uko, a contractor. “Our goal is to ensure that Tabernacle Road residents can use their road safely without any hindrance.”

However, despite the progress made, contractors face challenges in carrying out the project. The rainy season has slowed down work significantly, and heavy rains have hampered progress. Weather conditions are a major challenge, and some residents are not following safety regulations, gathering near the excavation site and risking accidents.

Meanwhile, some residents have opposed the project, frustrated by the impact the road blockades have had on their businesses, and the impact their actions have had on workers.

The area’s sloping landscape also posed a challenge, requiring additional engineering solutions to ensure the stability and success of the project. Contractors struggled to find solutions to these issues, which threatened to derail the project’s progress.

Professor Eno Ibanga, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Public Works, acknowledged the setback.

“We understand the delays and challenges,” he said. “Efforts are underway to address drainage issues and restore accessibility for residents.”

As rain continues to fall on Tabernacle Road, the community’s plight underscores the broader issue of infrastructure neglect and the urgent need for effective governance and accountability.

Despite the difficulties they face, residents remain hopeful for a future where their neighborhood will return to its former splendor.

By: Darby Divine

FEATURE post: Despair, dismay as Akwa Ibom residents battle flood impact first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.