By Patrick Ekpo
Residents of Ikpa road and its environs in Uyo Local government area of Akwa Ibom state have raised the alarm over the collapsed section of the community road.
It was gathered that the road which leads to the government Science Park and the Uyo City Polytechnic, a private institution in the state, collapsed on Wednesday due to encroachment of a deep gully erosion.
Our correspondent reports that the incident has posed serious threats to thousands of lives and property in the area as vehicles and Keke Napep conveying students, and villagers alike can no longer pass for fear of sinking into the ravine.
A community source who pleaded not to be mentioned said since the road collapsed last week students of the Uyo City Polytechnic and motorists have been having difficulties crossing over.
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He said ” It’s very stressful now for residents of this village. Vehicles and Keke Napep carrying students and others have to stop one side while the occupants trek to the other side to board another vehicle” he lamented saying that even trekking on the portion of the road still standing is a risk because you don’t know when it will finally collapse.
Another resident who identified himself as Emmanuel Okon called on the state government to save lives and property intervening on the road without delay.
“We are calling on the state government to save us from this looming disaster. It needs urgent attention because if it rains two or three times again, the buildings will collapse” he said.
Meanwhile, the state commissioner of Environment and Solid Minerals Mr. Charles Udoh, has issued threat notice with the erection of caution barriers around the vicinity.
Udoh in a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday explained that the caution barriers were to prevent human and vehicular traffic from falling into the ravine.
“Recall that a few months ago, the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals had erected caution barriers to prevent human or vehicular Traffic from falling into the gully.
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“This was to allow for site evaluation survey, development of engineering drawings as well as Bill of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation to guide the restoration works. These processes are currently ongoing.
“In the interim, members of the public are advised to avoid the vicinity, while motorists should use alternative routes.
“Residents, citizens and businesses in the affected neighborhoods are advised to remain vigilant and evacuate the vicinity for now”, the commissioner said.
