The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed the immediate closure of Calabar-Itu highway by the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) transmission station.
The directive is contained in a statement issued and signed by the Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, and made available to newsmen in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday, October 28, 2019.
According to Iyang-Eyen, the gully erosion had severed the road into two thereby making it dangerous for human and other vehicular movement.
“The erosion has completely engulfed the affected side of the carriageway and this has posed a great risk to every motorist plying the road.
“Consequently, and, considering the need to protect the lives and property, the general public is by this notified that the Calabar-Itu highway be completely closed to traffic with immediate effect.
“The closure will last throughout the reconstruction period,” he said.
The commissioner advised motorists entering or leaving Uyo metropolis to do so through Ikot Ekpene-Uyo axis.
The dilapidated state of Calabar-Itu highway has been of serious concern to motorists and road users with its attendance economic consequences.
By Isaiah Eka