Residents of Ikom Urban erupted in jubilation as the Cross River State Government commenced reconstruction work on the popular Sweet Mother Street, bringing renewed hope to residents and motorists who have endured years of hardship caused by the deplorable state of the road.
The ongoing intervention on the 1.153-kilometre stretch of road forms part of the urban road maintenance and rehabilitation efforts of the administration of Governor Bassey Otu aimed at improving mobility and restoring public infrastructure across the state.
Leading an inspection of the ongoing project, the Director at the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency, Dr. Nji Nji, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, and Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Pastor Mercy Nsor, on Wednesday, commended Governor Otu for responding swiftly to the plight of the people.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Nji Nji described Ikom as a strategic urban centre whose roads could no longer be left in disrepair, stressing that Governor Otu immediately approved and released funds for the intervention after reports on the poor state of roads in the area.
According to him, rehabilitation works are currently ongoing in both Ikom and Ogoja, adding that the intervention was not politically motivated but part of government’s responsibility to improve the living conditions of citizens.
“This is away from politics. It is not because elections are approaching. This is the responsibility of government, and Governor Otu does not play politics with issues affecting the welfare of the people,” he stated.
Dr. Nji Nji further disclosed that residents of Sweet Mother Street were overwhelmed with excitement following the commencement of work, revealing that some residents came out to pray for the governor after construction equipment was mobilized to the area.
“For over a decade, roads in Ikom Urban have remained in terrible condition, but today residents are jubilating,” he added.
The road maintenance boss hinted that more roads within Ikom Urban would soon benefit from similar interventions, noting that the government had already approved expansion of the rehabilitation exercise to adjoining streets to ensure durability and improved connectivity.
He also expressed optimism that the project would be completed within weeks, noting that significant progress had already been achieved barely two weeks after the contract was awarded.
Also speaking, Barr. Gilbert Agbor described the intervention as another fulfillment of Governor Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda, humorously noting the coincidence of the “Sweet Prince” commencing road intervention on Sweet Mother Street.
On her part, the Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Pastor Mercy Nsor, described the reconstruction project as an answered prayer for the people of Ikom, expressing appreciation to Governor Otu and his wife for their concern toward the welfare and comfort of citizens.
A resident of the area, Mr. Joseph Akonjom, who expressed gratitude to the state government, said the reconstruction of the road would bring significant relief to both pedestrians and motorists who had suffered years of difficulty navigating the area.
By Kingsley Agim
