Effiong Edem Residents Cry for Help: Demand Street Repairs, Lighting, Access to Clean Water
Residents of Effiong Edem Street, located off Umoh Orok Street in Calabar South, Cross River State, have raised alarm over the worsening state of their street. They are pleading with the state government to urgently intervene and repair the road before the next rainy season causes further devastation.
According to residents, the street has been neglected for decades, leaving it vulnerable to severe flooding and erosion. Many have described the situation as life-threatening, with homes and properties at risk of being swept away.
Mr. Kingsley Edem, a longtime resident, expressed his frustration. “Unless the government repairs this street urgently, we will soon be completely cut off from other connecting streets,” he said. “For over 40 years, this street has been left in this deplorable condition with no government presence. Not even an attempt has been made to fix it. During the rainy season, no one can pass through here. We are either locked into our homes or locked out, depending on the circumstances. I urge the government to come and see this street for themselves. Seeing is believing, and when they do, they’ll understand the dire situation we face.”
Elisha Asuquo, a young resident who has lived in the area since birth, resonated similar concerns. “This is heartbreaking. I am 19 years old, and this street has always been this way,” he lamented. “Last year, the situation was bad, but this year’s rains have made it much worse. The flood has destroyed several houses. If nothing is done, by this time next year, we may not have homes left. We are also part of Calabar, and we deserve basic infrastructure. Please, we are pleading with the government to act swiftly.”
Mr. Patrick Edet, who has lived on the street since 1980, highlighted the lack of consistent attention by successive governments. “Effiong Edem Street links many other streets, yet it has been abandoned for decades,” he said. “What surprises me is that other linking streets have been tarred, but this one has been consistently neglected. I appeal to the state government, particularly Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu, to prioritize this street. Additionally, we need streetlights. We cannot sleep with our eyes closed at night due to the insecurity in the area.”
Mrs. Comfort Mfon expressed her deep concerns about the safety of residents. “We live in constant fear. Theft happens almost every night because we have no streetlights,” she said. “Two weeks ago, thieves robbed our neighbor’s house, carting away their hard-earned belongings and even threatening to shoot them. It’s disheartening that despite our active participation in elections, we remain neglected. Government’s responsibilities include fixing roads, providing streetlights, and ensuring access to clean water. We are appealing for basic amenities to improve our lives.”
An aged woman who will not want her name mention in the news also shared her struggles with operating a business in the area. “The state of this road has driven many of my customers away. During the rainy season, no one wants to walk through this swampy mess,” she said. “I’m losing income every day. The government needs to remember that we also pay taxes. Fixing this street will benefit everyone.”
A civil servant in the area described how the poor state of the road has affected transportation. “Public transport operators have refused to come into this area because of the road. We have to walk long distances to get transportation,” he explained. “This is unacceptable in a state capital. We need immediate intervention.”
Also lamenting, a student, spoke about the challenges young people face. “This road is dangerous, especially at night. There are no streetlights, and it’s a perfect hiding spot for criminals,” she said. “As students, we’re scared to walk home after evening classes. The government needs to act fast to ensure our safety.”
A retired teacher, who pleads for anonymity recalled better times in the area. “Some years ago, this street was once vibrant and bustling. Now it’s a shadow of its former self,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to see how neglect has destroyed our community. I call on the government to restore our pride and fix this road.”
Meanwhile, the residents of Effiong Edem Street have made a united appeal to the Cross River State government for urgent action. With next year rainy season, they are living in constant fear for their safety, homes, and livelihood. Their calls for basic infrastructure—including road repairs, streetlights, and clean water—are a plea for the government to fulfill its responsibilities to its citizens. The residents hope their cries will not fall on deaf ears, and swift action will restore their community’s dignity.
