UYO, Nigeria (FN) — Residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, have expressed mixed reactions after Governor Umo Eno attributed the city’s worsening road conditions to persistent heavy rainfall, a claim that has sparked debate among citizens, experts, and government officials.
Governor Eno, during an inspection tour of several affected areas, said road maintenance had been delayed deliberately to prevent freshly repaired surfaces from being washed away by continuous downpours. He assured that contractors had been mobilized and would resume work once the rains subside.
“Our administration is aware of the discomfort caused by the potholes across Uyo. But repairing them now would be wasteful, as the rains will undo the work,” Eno said. “We have plans in place for a comprehensive rehabilitation once the weather is favorable.”
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, the state’s Ministry of Works defended the government’s decision, insisting that the repairs must be done under optimal weather conditions to ensure durability.
“The Ministry of Works is not folding its arms,” said Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga. “We have mapped out critical roads that require urgent attention, and our engineers are ready to move in as soon as the rains stop. Asphalt work during heavy rain is counterproductive.”
However, residents and motorists have criticized the explanation, arguing that poor planning, weak drainage systems, and substandard construction — not rain — are to blame for the recurring potholes.
“It rains every year, yet the roads keep failing,” said Margaret Effiong, a shop owner on Oron Road. “You can’t keep blaming nature when the real issue is poor drainage and lack of maintenance.”
Commercial drivers lamented the effect of the deteriorating roads on their income and vehicle maintenance. “We spend so much fixing our cars,” said taxi driver Emmanuel Sunday. “Government officials don’t drive these roads daily like we do.”
The Uyo Chamber of Commerce also weighed in, warning that bad roads could deter business investment and slow economic activity. “Infrastructure is the backbone of commerce,” said Chamber President, Iniobong Udoh. “If logistics are hindered by poor roads, the entire economy suffers.”
Environmental experts urged the government to redesign the city’s drainage network and use more durable road materials suited to the region’s tropical climate. “Blaming the rain is not enough,” said civil engineer David Akpan. “We need smarter engineering and routine maintenance.”
Opposition politicians have also seized on the issue, accusing the Eno administration of neglecting basic infrastructure despite high budgetary allocations for works and transport.
In response, the Ministry of Environment announced plans to collaborate with the Works Ministry to de-silt major drains and improve water flow around Uyo before the next rainy season.
Governor Eno reiterated his commitment to improving infrastructure, saying road rehabilitation and flood control projects would top the 2025 state budget. “We are not ignoring the people’s pain,” he said. “Once the rains stop, our actions will speak for us.”
Still, as heavy rains continue, many residents remain unconvinced, saying they have heard similar promises from past administrations with little lasting change.
