By Hannah Ijege
For years, residents of Nfom and Okpoma communities in Ogoja lived with the daily burden of a failed road network a situation that turned medical emergencies into nightmares, slowed economic activities, and isolated communities during the rainy season.
Today, however, hope is gradually returning as work resumes on the abandoned Nfom-Okpoma road project in Northern Cross River State.
The road project, initially awarded during the administration of former governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade, is now being handled by ForiTech Nigeria Ltd under the supervision of the Cross River State Ministry of Works for completion.
Speaking to CrossRiverWatch reporter at the project site, surveyor Christian Okonkwo said construction work recommenced last year and covers a 15-kilometer stretch from Nfom Roundabout to Okpoma.
According to him, the company deliberately employed local residents as workers to ensure the host communities benefited directly from the project.
“We employed commuters and community members as workers so as to carry them along, and they have been very cooperative,” he said.
Okonkwo, however, disclosed that the project suffered setbacks due to delayed payments, making it impossible to complete the work within the initial one year timeline. He declined to reveal the project’s budget when approached by this reporter.
For many residents, the road represents more than infrastructure it is a lifeline.
Moreover, an indigene of the area, who identifies as Grace Ochunu, recalled the difficulties residents faced over the years due to the deplorable condition of the road, particularly during emergencies.
“Thank God for the completion. We have faced a lot of distress and damages. People found it difficult to get to the hospital in times of emergency at Ochochi. It was that bad,” she said.
Ochunu added that the rehabilitation of the road would significantly improve movement for travellers, farmers, traders, and residents across the communities.
Residents say they are optimistic that the long delayed project, once fully completed, will reconnect communities, ease transportation challenges, and revive economic and social activities in the area.
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