Truck owners and commuters are sounding the alarm over the worsening condition of the Calabar Uyo federal highway, a critical road that has become a death trap and a source of significant economic loss. As the road continues to deteriorate, it is causing damage to vehicles, destruction of goods, and tragically, the loss of lives.
The Calabar Uyo highway is a vital link between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, serving as a major route for the transportation of goods, agricultural produce, and commuters. However, years of neglect and poor maintenance have left the highway in a deplorable state, turning what should be a straightforward journey into a harrowing experience.
Truck drivers and transporters, who rely heavily on this route for business, are among the hardest hit. With deep potholes, erosion, and failed portions of the road, their vehicles are subjected to constant wear and tear. Many report frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and a rising toll on their livelihood. Some have even suffered total vehicle losses due to accidents caused by the dangerous road conditions.
The poor state of the highway not only affects vehicle owners but also has a significant impact on the transportation of goods. Trucks carrying perishable goods such as farm produce and food items are particularly vulnerable, as delays caused by bad roads often result in damaged or spoiled products. This has led to huge financial losses for traders, farmers, and businesses dependent on timely deliveries.
Many truck owners have expressed frustration over the mounting cost of maintaining their vehicles. With constant repairs, coupled with delays that increase fuel consumption, the operational costs have skyrocketed. For many, it’s no longer just a question of financial strain but of survival in the face of dwindling returns on their investments.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the highway’s deterioration is the increasing number of lives lost. Commuters report frequent accidents, many of which have been fatal. The combination of narrow lanes, poor visibility at night, and the unpredictable condition of the road make it a dangerous path for drivers. Many have lost loved ones, and survivors are left to cope with the physical and emotional scars of their tragic experiences.
For the families affected, the losses go beyond economics. The growing death toll is a stark reminder of the human cost of infrastructural neglect. Each life lost on this highway is a call to action, urging the government to address the situation before more tragedies occur.
There have been numerous calls from concerned citizens, transport unions, and local leaders urging the federal government to take immediate action to repair the Calabar Uyo highway. Many believe that the failure to address the situation is a reflection of poor governance and misplaced priorities. Despite being a federal road, it has been largely ignored in national infrastructure development plans.
Several petitions and protests have been staged by affected communities and road users, demanding the government allocate resources to fix the road. However, these pleas have yet to result in any significant improvements. Some fear that, as the rainy season approaches, the already terrible road conditions will worsen, further endangering lives and livelihoods.
The state of the Calabar Uyo highway is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a full blown crisis. The road is essential to the economic and social wellbeing of the communities it serves, and its continued neglect threatens both lives and livelihoods.
To address this growing emergency, it is crucial for the federal government and relevant authorities to prioritize road rehabilitation. Investments in durable road infrastructure, proper drainage, and routine maintenance are necessary to ensure the long term usability of the highway. In the meantime, palliative measures such as filling potholes and improving signage could help prevent further accidents.
The voices of truck owners, commuters, and businesses must not be ignored. The cost of inaction is too high, and with every passing day, the losses continue to mount. It is time for the government to step up and restore the Calabar Uyo highway to a functional and safe state.