By Kelvin Ololo
Every morning in Efut Ibonda, residents begin another difficult journey across a road that has become a symbol of neglect.
For farmers carrying baskets of palm oil, bunches of plantains, coconuts, and other agricultural produce, getting to the market is a daily struggle.
For students, the challenge is even more painful, as teachers often find it difficult to reach the community’s only secondary school.
During a recent visit by CrossRiverWatch to the community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, residents described how years of poor road infrastructure have continued to affect their livelihoods, education, and access to basic social services.
Despite its rich agricultural potential, Efut Ibonda remains largely cut off from neighboring communities because of the deplorable condition of its access road.
The community depends mainly on farming, with residents producing large quantities of palm oil, coconuts, plantains, and other farm products.
However, transporting these products to nearby markets has become increasingly expensive because commercial vehicles either avoid the route altogether or charge higher fares to cover the difficult terrain.
Residents said the poor condition of the road has forced many farmers to carry their produce on their heads and trek for several miles before reaching locations where they can pay for motorcycles to transport their goods to neighboring towns.
The poor state of the road, they said, has not only reduced their income but has also made life more difficult for families whose survival depends entirely on agriculture.
Education has also become one of the biggest casualties of the failing infrastructure.
According to community members, teachers often struggle to access the only secondary school in the area because of the bad road, raising concerns about the quality and consistency of learning for students.
Beyond transportation and education, access to clean water remains another major challenge.
Residents told CrossRiverWatch that the community has no reliable source of potable water and depends entirely on a nearby stream for drinking, cooking, and other domestic activities.
However, the rainy season has further worsened the situation, as runoff and floodwaters have affected the quality of the community’s only source of water.
The absence of proper drainage has also contributed to persistent flooding whenever it rains, leaving some parts of the community submerged and forcing residents to pile up mounds of sand and soil to create temporary pathways for movement.
What should have been a simple journey within the community has become an obstacle course of muddy roads, stagnant water, and damaged pathways.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leadership of the community, Mr. Eta Essien appealed to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, to urgently intervene by constructing the road.
He also called on Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, to join efforts to address the challenges facing the community.
According to him, both leaders are sons of Odukpani Local Government Area and are familiar with the realities confronting rural communities in the area.
He said improving the road network would not only make transportation easier but would also boost economic activities, improve access to education, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
For the people of Efut Ibonda, the request goes beyond the construction of a road. It is a call for access to education, healthcare, clean water, and economic opportunities.
Until that happens, residents say they will continue to navigate the difficult path that has defined life in their community for years.
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