Residents of neglected streets in Calabar South solicit government intervention
Residents and councillors of several streets within Old Calabar, including Uyu, Ene-Eyo, Jacob, Nsisuk Street, Etim Square, Ros Street, Efa Street, Archibong Street, Tete Street, Efio-Edem Street, and Eyo Lane, have expressed frustration over decades of neglect by the government. They have called for immediate action to repair dilapidated roads and provide essential amenities such as streetlights and access to public water systems.
Effiom Etim, the Council Committee Chairman for Peace and Security representing Ward 2 in Calabar South Local Government Area, has urged the government to focus mainly on addressing these pressing issues. Speaking on behalf of the community, Etim enumerated how the poor state of the infrastructure and lack of basic services have affected the quality of life in the area.
He stressed that urgent government intervention is essential to restore the area’s infrastructure and improve living conditions for its residents
Effiom Etim, the Council Committee Chairman for Peace and Security representing Ward 2 in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, has called for urgent government intervention to address critical challenges in his coverage are speaking exclusively to our reporter, Hon. Etim highlighted the dire need for improved security, streetlights, and infrastructure. “We need government assistance in so many ways. First, we need security, particularly in the waterways around our environment. At night, all the streets in this area are dark, which attracts hoodlums to infiltrate the community,” he said.
He stresses the need for urgent repairs on key streets within his jurisdiction, including Efio Edem Street, Effiong Street, and Eyo-Ndem Street, where he resides. “We don’t have constant electricity here. Sometimes, we can count the days we have power in a month—some months, it’s just five days,” he lamented.
Hon. Etim also called attention to the rich historical significance of the area. “This is Old Calabar, where we first had the colonial masters. The Independence Stone of Nigeria is here. What has the government done for us? This was the first capital of Nigeria before it moved to Lagos and later to Abuja. Even the Marina Resort has been closed down.”
He urged Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu to intervene in the provision of social amenities while commending the NEWMAP initiative for its ongoing efforts to control erosion at the Marina”
Similarly, Pas. Hon. Princess Asa Felix Effiom, Councilor of Ward 3 and Chief Whip of the Calabar South LGA, decried decades of government neglect. “Only one street out of nine—Nsa Street—has been tarred. Successive administrations have abandoned streets like Nsisuk, Uyu, Jacob, Ros Street, and other neglected streets. There are no streetlights and no adequate water supply,” she noted.
Hon. Princess Effiom thanked Governor Otu for his efforts over the past Nineteen months, and seek for attention to the neglected areas, saying, “My people are on my neck, and we hope the government will respond to our plight.”
Pastor Bassey Okon, a retired head teacher and long-time resident of Uyu Street, lamented the complete absence of government projects in the area. “I was born and brought up on Uyu Street over 60 years ago, and the government has never attempted to fix our road,” he said. “We participate in every election, but we are neglected. We are pleading with the government to tar Uyu Street, and install streetlights for us.”
Similarly, in his appeal, Mr Jonah Udom, neighbourhood chairman of Eneyo Street joined voices to call on the government to come to their aid and take the responsibility to provide them with essential amenities like roads and other necessities”
“We lack every necessity of life, including roads, streetlights and many other needs, therefore, on behave of our people I ceased this chance to call on the government to please, provide these necessities for us”
Similarly, Chief Asuquo Etim of Ene-Eyo Street, popularly known as (Itak Mango), described the dire state of the road and its impact on the community. “Our street is non-motorable, and thefts are rampant at night because we live in total darkness. We need streetlights and a motorable road to improve our lives. For years, the government has shown no interest in Ene-Eyo Street,” he stated.
Mrs Patience Isaac James, a 30-year resident of the area, called for urgent government action. “Since I moved here, the government has not taken any steps to fix our street. We live in fear because of hoodlums at night, and the persistent flooding during the rainy season makes life unbearable. We also need a public borehole to access clean water,” she said.
Jacob Street residents expressed similar frustrations. Mr. Smart Agu noted that the road, which is opposite the family home of former Governor Donald Duke, has remained in disrepair despite several government promises. “This street has been abandoned for years. The government must fulfill its promises and make the road motorable,” he pleaded.
Nsisuk Street has also suffered years of neglect, with residents recounting the challenges of flooding during rainy seasons. Mr. Offing Ekpe stated, “Nsisuk is one of the oldest streets in Calabar Metropolis, but successive governments have ignored it. People’s homes are submerged during rains. We appeal to Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu to intervene and construct this road.”
Others, like Ms. Eke Etim, shared similar stories of abandonment. “For over 29 years, Nsisuk Street has remained untouched by the government. It has been neglected even before I was born,” she said.
Residents warned that they might boycott upcoming elections if the government fails to act. “We are tired of being deceived with false promises,” said Ayi Okon, a community leader. “We pay our taxes like everyone else and deserve better.”
The residents also called on the government to address the lack of streetlights, which they say contributes to insecurity in the area. “We want to enjoy the dividends of democracy. The government must act now before another rainy season worsens our plight,” said Mr. Edet Okon of Ewa Henshaw Street.
