Truck owners and commuters are expressing growing concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Calabar-Uyo federal highway. The road has become a significant source of losses, endangering lives, damaging vehicles, and ruining goods transported along it.
In Calabar, truck owners voiced frustrations about the state of the road, which connects Cross River to Akwa Ibom and the Southeast. They are dissatisfied with the slow progress of the road’s rehabilitation, which has been ongoing for more than a decade.
Despite assurances from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, about accelerating the project after inspecting the road three months ago, little progress has been made. The road remains in a dire state.
One truck owner shared a heartbreaking incident where his truck, carrying essential goods, veered off the road and suffered substantial losses. The challenging road conditions have worsened the situation for drivers and business owners, with accidents and breakdowns becoming a common occurrence.
Commuters like Eno Johnson, who rely on the route for their businesses, are also affected by the road’s poor condition. The frequent blockages caused by toppled trucks lead to traffic congestion and safety risks for those stranded on the road.
The urgent need for intervention on the Calabar-Uyo highway is evident as the situation continues to pose threats to lives and businesses, with little response to the calls for action.