The Akwa Ibom State Government has been urged to urgently intervene in the gully erosion threatening to encroach on the truck park in Itu Local Government Area before it causes loss of lives and disrupts economic activities in the area.
The Chairman of the Truck Park, Alhaji Bala Abubakar, made the call while speaking with journalists about the condition of the facility and the challenges posed by the erosion.
Abubakar described the situation as unfortunate and worrisome, stressing that urgent action was needed to prevent the erosion from worsening and eventually affecting the truck park.
He, however, commended the Itu Local Government Council for its efforts to develop the park despite the challenges confronting the facility.
According to him, the provision of solar-powered streetlights across the park has significantly improved security and created a safer environment for truck operators, drivers and other users of the facility.
He appealed to the state government to intervene before the erosion claims lives, stressing that such an occurrence was not something anyone would wish for. Abubakar expressed confidence that the government would respond positively to the situation, noting that the administration had consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare and safety of citizens.
He also commended the government for providing a peaceful environment for businesses to operate, saying that security challenges in the area had been effectively addressed. The truck park chairman described the peaceful relationship between the operators and their host community as commendable, noting that both sides had continued to work together as one family.
He said the cordial relationship had helped sustain peace and economic activities in the area, adding that the understanding between the truck operators and the host community remained non-negotiable.
Abubakar also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its developmental efforts and urged the administration to remain focused on delivering democratic dividends to the people.
He called on all stakeholders to support development efforts in the state and avoid actions capable of distracting the government from addressing the needs of the people.