Erosion has wreaked havoc on the Calabar-Akpabuyo-Bakassi Highway, the only federal access road to Bakassi, an oil-rich region located on the Gulf of Guinea along the Atlantic coast.
The incessant heavy downpour of rain has also shown no mercy, adding to the impact of the earthquake as the road faces imminent collapse.
The highway has become a major concern as severe land degradation continues to undermine the roadway at Ikot Asuquo Edem in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state.
Commuters and business owners have expressed concern that if the road were to collapse, it would disrupt access and connectivity for thousands of residents, businesses, government institutions, including security agencies.
Worried over the safety of commuters and the possibility of the road becoming impassable, leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Grace E. Bassey, has issued a distress call on the federal government, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency FERMA.
Bassey also sent a save our soul message to members of the National Assembly, particularly the Senator representing the Cross River South, member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, Cross River State Ministry of Works and all relevant intervention agencies.
The lawmaker urged them to immediately intervene on this section of the Calabar-Akpabuyo-Bakassi federal highway.
She also requested immediate commencement of erosion control and road stabilization works to salvage the road from complete collapse.
Her words: “The only federal road to Bakassi is on the verge of collapse These photographs tell a story that should concern every resident of Cross River State and every commuter using the Calabar–Akpabuyo–Bakassi Federal Highway.
“At Ikot Asuquo Edem in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, a massive gully erosion is rapidly consuming sections of the affected Highway. This erosion developed following earthworks carried out during the proposed super highway project under the administration of former governor, Ben Ayade.
“Today, the abandoned site has become a major threat to lives and critical infrastructure. This is the same federal road leading to Bakassi Local Government Area, the only major access route connecting thousands of residents, businesses, government institutions and security agencies.
“If this road fails, the consequences will be enormous, disrupting transportation, economic activities and access to essential services.”
The lawmaker emphasized that, “this is not about the politics of blame, rather it is about preventing a disaster before it happens.
“I therefore call on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Members of the National Assembly particularly the Senator representing Cross River South, Member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, Cross River State Ministry of Works, and all relevant intervention agencies to urgently intervene on this section of the Calabar–Akpabuyo–Bakassi federal highway and commence immediate erosion control and road stabilization works.
“The warning signs are clear. The time to act is now. Let us save this critical federal highway before it is too late.”
