PEOPLE in Cross River expressed optimism that the condition of federal roads would improve in 2016. They said the dilapidated Calabar/Itu and Ikom/Ogoja roads, which have claimed so many lives, would be addressed, since the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, is from River State.

Some residents commended government for providing electricity to communities in the state, but added that the main challenge has been the poor state of roads, a result of lack of maintenance by government.

Bassey Okon said: “For the first time, we have a Minister for Niger Delta from Cross River State. I think something will be done about the Calabar/Itu and Calabar/Ikom roads, which are in a very poor condition. For six years, we had a President from the South South that did not do anything about the dilapidated roads we have here. We are also seeing improvement in electricity, even though it is not yet as we expect. But I believe, this year, things will be better.”

On his part, Mr. John Ikwen, said: “Road networks, electricity, potable water, medical facilities are key to development in the society. If people must really enjoy government, then it has to provide social amenities for them.”

Ikwen called for the construction of a super highway, saying, “it would bring development to the people. The state will also generate revenue from the new road because the federal road between Ogoja and Calabar is no longer functioning; it is a death trap. Other needful projects are draining of the Calabar Port and construction of a new port along the Akpabuyo axis.”

The Bishop of Anglican Communion, Calabar Diocese, Archbishop Tunde Adeleye, said government should focus more on providing basic needs, like electricity, good roads and medical care. He said: “Government should govern us. Let us have electricity, let us have good roads, let us have salaries and let them give us drugs in the hospitals. Government should stop making promises until they have fulfilled the old ones.”