AKPABUYO YOUTHS BLOCK ROAD TO PROTEST POOR CONDITION

The Youths from various Communities in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River in the early hours on Wednesday blocked the Ikot-Edem-Odo/Ekondo axis of the Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Highway.

One of the Leaders of the Youths, Mr Edet Asuquo said that their action was in protest over the bad condition of the road which had caused untold hardships to the people of the area.

Asuquo described the road, especially the Ikot-Edem-Odo/Ekondo axis as a death trap, adding that several vehicles including heavy duty trucks have often fallen on the road.

``We have made several appeals to both the State and Federal Government and even the United Cement Company whose trucks ply the roads, but the situation has remained the same.

``So, we have decided to take our destiny into our own hands, if this is the only way the governments will listen to us, ‘’.

Due to the blockage, some public service Workers who reside in Akpabuyo could not find their way to work in Calabar while had to charter Motorcycles.

A Civil Servant, Mr Okon Asim said he could not go to work in Calabar because of the prevailing situation.

``In fairness to the protesting youths, the situation was not a surprise to us because we are the worst affected. The condition of the road has become unbearable, ‘’ he said.

In reaction, the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Council, Dr Patrick Okon said that he had written to the relevant authorities on the condition of the road.

``FERMA came and did some patches in different portions of the road but that was not enough. The condition of the road is too bad especially that particular portion.

``But I think that the main problem now is the rainy rains and I am sure that as soon as the rain stopped FERMA will return to continue the repairs.

``On our part we have done our best but money is not forthcoming as expected, ‘’ Okon said.

The Chairman, however, later said, he had contacted the FERMA office in Abuja who have directed the Zenith Construction Company to resume rehabilitation work on the road immediately.

The State Security Adviser also pleaded with the youths to remain calm as the State Government and relevant authorities were doing everything possible to put the road in good condition.

 Dear Reader,
Remember that we had done a huge expose with pictures on the road few weeks ago.
You can check down the Blog to see the heartbreaking pictures.
Thanks.
Marty Eteng