The collapsed wooden bridge linking Ikot Obong Akan in Oruk Anam Local Government Area and Ikot Akpabong in Mkpat Enin of Akwa Ibom has crippled livelihoods of the people.
The youth leader, Etimbuk Udoh said the collapsed bridge has cut off economic links between the two neighbouring local government areas and disrupted transportation, farming and commercial activities for traders and residents, who depend on Etim Market, popularly known as Urua Akpudo for their livelihood.
Udoh, who spoke with Daily Sun in the area, said the bridge was constructed through community efforts using woods to help market women and other road users cross the river for various economic engagements.
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“Now that the bridge has collapsed, the two local government areas have been cut off. We would depend on local boats to cross the river, which may not be safe for local transportation,” he said.
During their visit to the area, the Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Sunday Festus and the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Sampson Bernard Idiong, joined locally made canoe to give the affected hope of state government’s intervention.
The council chairman and the lawmaker were paddled in a local canoe following the disconnection of bridge between the two areas and other neighbouring communities.
They assured residents of the area their concerns would be tendered before the appropriate authorities for urgent action.
Addressing community leaders and residents at the palace of the village head, Chief Friday Akpan, Idiong said it was necessary to visit the community without delay in order to witness the situation and have a proper understanding of the challenges facing the people.
“We would immediately engage the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that the matter receives the urgent attention that it deserves,” he said.
