Flood Disaster Hits Calabar–Itu Highway as Community Accuses Road Works of Destroying Homes

June 24 () — Residents of Enen Atai Itam Community in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have appealed to the Federal Government and Hi-Tech Construction Company to urgently intervene after floodwaters allegedly triggered by ongoing emergency works on the Calabar–Itu Highway destroyed homes and rendered two widows and their families homeless.

The affected community, located along the Ekim Itam–Head Bridge section of the strategic federal highway linking Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, warned that more houses could collapse unless proper drainage infrastructure is incorporated into the ongoing rehabilitation project.

The Calabar–Itu Highway is a major economic corridor connecting the South-South and South-East regions and serves as a key route for agricultural produce transported from northern Cross River into Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.

After years of deterioration that turned sections of the road into a nightmare for motorists, the Federal Ministry of Works directed Hi-Tech Construction Company to undertake emergency intervention works to restore traffic flow.

The intervention includes stone-base reconstruction and asphalt overlay on critical failed sections pending full reconstruction.

While the remedial work has significantly improved vehicular movement, residents said the absence of adequate drainage channels has redirected stormwater from the elevated roadway into adjoining communities.

One of the worst-hit victims, Mrs. Hannah Bassey, a widow and mother of 10, narrowly escaped death when her house collapsed during a heavy downpour.

“I am still afraid of what would have happened to my children and me if I had not woken up that night. The flood passed through our house after the walls collapsed.

“I have struggled to raise my children since my husband died, but I never imagined this would happen to us. We need help and shelter,” she said.

She disclosed that officials from the construction company visited the site after the incident but that no assistance had been provided.

Another widow, Madam Uduak Nsima, also lost her home to the flooding, leaving both families displaced.

A community leader, Mr. George Utip, said the flooding would continue unless the highway is reconstructed with functional side drains and proper flood-control measures.

“The road has been raised above surrounding communities without adequate drainage. The floodwater now empties directly into our homes. If nothing is done immediately, more buildings will collapse during the rainy season,” he warned.

A visit to the area showed extensive erosion around residential buildings, exposed underground electricity cables, and damaged property, raising fresh safety concerns for residents.

Residents also urged the Federal Government and close authorities to provide emergency relief and temporary accommodation for the displaced families while permanent engineering solutions are implemented.

The Calabar–Itu Highway has remained one of Nigeria’s most troubled federal roads, with successive governments battling years of failed sections, abandoned contracts, and severe flooding.

The Federal Government has repeatedly acknowledged the strategic importance of the corridor and has initiated emergency interventions pending comprehensive reconstruction.