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

In the heart of Akwa Ibom State, a community is suffering from road infrastructural decay as residents are forced to wade through knee-deep floodwaters after every rainfall.

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

The project

In 2020, the Akwa Ibom State government budgeted N58 million for the construction of Tabernacle road in the community, a project that aims at alleviating the hardship of residents who ply the road and bring about economic development.

The project was to be monitored by the state ministry of works.

In 2022, another 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.

However, today, Tabernacle Road paints a stark picture. Knee-deep floodwaters have transformed this once-vital route into a hazardous path. While homes remain dry, the road has deteriorated so drivers must navigate through makeshift paths across residents’ yards and frontages.

Plight

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

A resident of the area, Udosen Eyo, said the road had been in bad shape for the past five years.

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

Residents are alarmed and fearful of the escalating health risks. Malaria, already a persistent problem, has worsened with mosquitoes breeding in the stagnant floodwater.

Sarah Uko, a resident, expresses her concern: “We’re living in fear of getting sick, coupled with how the economy is”.

John Ita, another resident, echoes her sentiments: “We’re worried about the spread of malaria, which is already a significant challenge.”

”Driving here risks damage to vehicles,” Nsikak Udo, a taxi driver, shares his daily struggle: “I use this road every day, but now I avoid it. Floods have made it impassable, so I’m forced to find alternative routes through yards. It’s risky, but there’s no other choice.”

Loveth Ekpe, a local shop owner, describes the economic toll: “Our customers can’t reach us anymore. The road is crumbling, and it feels like we’ve been forgotten.”

Students, like Samuel Okafor from the University of Uyo, face disruptions to their studies: He says: “getting to classes has become a nightmare. I wade through floodwaters daily, which affects my studies and concentration.”

Passengers also suffer physical discomfort due to the road’s condition.

“The constant bumps give me backaches,” complains a regular commuter. “It’s exhausting and painful.”

Progress

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

A new drainage system is now under construction.

This will benefit not only Tabernacle Road but also nearby areas like Afaha Ube, Calabar-Itu Highway, and Ikot Ekpene. The governor’s decision to restart the project is great news for the community.

Contractors involved in the project acknowledge the challenges but express commitment to improvement.

“We’re focused on enhancing the drainage system and accelerating progress,” says Engr. Uko a contractor. “Our goal is to ensure Tabernacle Road residents can safely use their road without hindrance.”

However, despite the progress made, the contractors face challenges in executing the project. The rainy season has significantly slowed the work, and heavy rainfall hinders progress. Weather conditions are a major challenge, and some residents are not following safety rules, gathering near the excavation site and risking accidents.

Meanwhile, some residents resist the project, frustrated by the roadblock’s impact on their businesses, and their action affects the workers.

The slanty landscape of the area also poses a challenge, requiring additional engineering solutions to ensure the project’s stability and success. The contractors are struggling to find solutions to these problems, threatening to derail the project’s progress.

Professor Eno Ibanga, Akwa Ibom State’s Works Commissioner, acknowledges the setbacks.

“We understand the delays and challenges,” he admits. “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 broader issues of infrastructure neglect and the urgent need for effective governance and accountability.

Despite the adversity, residents hope for a future where their neighbourhood will be restored to its former vibrancy.

By: Darby Divine

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