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By Akpan David, Calabar
After 60 years, a 6.3 kilometre access road has been cleared and graded in Atimasang community in the Atimbo West Ward of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
A community leader, Chief Asuquo Nyong said he was born and has lived in the village over sixty years.
He said “We have only had a narrow path since I have been born in this village over 60 years ago. There has only been a narrow path from the Ikot Effanga junction (now unicem road) down too the river.
Edem Okokon Effiong sponsored the road construction
“Our farmers and women used to find it very difficult to move their farm products to the long distance.
“The grading of this narrow path into a wider and motorable access road will tremendously reduce our stress, reduce the cost of transportation of our farmers.”
According to Chief Nyong, commuters used to pay about N500 for motorcyclists to move our farm produce to the community centre.
He said the only time the state government remembered them was when former governor, Donald Duke’s government connected them to electricity.
He called on politicians not to remember them only during election season but to know that they, too, are a people who contribute to the socioeconomic development of the state.
The expansion and grading of the Atimasang road was a solo effort by a community philanthropist, Edem Okokon Effiong.
He had last year also opened up his own community 3.6km road and graded it.
He said he was only paying back to the communities from the blessings of God on him.
“It doesn’t mean I have enough but I am touched by the plight and ordeal our people, especially our farmers, go through to convey foods to the markets.
“I call on other well-to-do individuals, including our Senators and Representatives who represent these communities to similarly open up local communities.
“Access roads are what rural people need most. Once there are roads, other amenities will follow. Petty traders will benefit.”
