By Kelvin Ololo
The deplorable state of federal roads in Ogoja, Bekwarra, Yala, and Obudu Local Government Areas of Cross River State, have continued to be a major concern to motorists and commuters.
The bad state of the roads has left many vehicles long-term or permanent patients in mechanic workshops.
Speaking to CrossRiverWatch, one of the drivers who spoke in anonymity, said the roads especially in Northern Cross River have caused more harm than good to their cars and crippled their activities often.
“This road is bad. We cannot move freely and get to places on time. Some days we have to sleep in this very place especially when it rains. As you can see we have to pay those boys to pass through their various compounds, if we must get to our destination. I don’t blame them. How can you pay five hundred, three hundred and some places, two hundred Naira at six little distance points? With this hardship in the land and at the end you go back home with nothing because you have to service and fuel the car! It’s not good at all” he lamented.
A traveler identified as Mr. Ushie explained: “Since yesterday I left Calabar to attend the burial function of the late former chief justice of the state. I have been stuck here at Bekwarra. By now the burial ceremony should be over, I am still on the way. Let all these government officials see this and better do something before lives will be lost here.”
In Bekwarra LGA, to avoid the mouth-opening potholes on the major roads, motorists are diverting through communities in a bid to prevent damages. However, some communities have turned the diversion route into revenue points – extorting the sum of five, three, and two hundred Naira per vehicle daily.
Road users have also raised concerns about their fate and that of their vehicles with the rain still much in full gear and as the festive knocking.
