ELEBELE–EMEYAL ROAD IN RUINS: RESIDENTS RAISE ALARM, URGE BAYELSA GOVT, NDDC TO ACT BEFORE RAINS CUT OFF COMMUNITIES

By Kelsthel News

ELEBELE , BAYELSA - Growing concerns have trailed the worsening condition of the Elebele–Emeyal Road in Bayelsa State, as residents, community leaders, and road users have issued a passionate appeal to the Bayelsa State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to urgently intervene before an imminent humanitarian and economic crisis unfolds.

The once-busy road, which serves as a critical artery linking Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, to Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass Local Government Areas, has deteriorated into what residents now describe as a “deathtrap,” posing grave danger to motorists, commuters, and pedestrians.

Speaking with Kelsthel News, the Youth President of Elebele Community, Comrade Arimor Thankgod Ata, expressed deep frustration over the prolonged neglect of the road, warning that the situation is rapidly spiraling out of control.

“This road is no longer just bad; it is deadly. Every journey on this stretch has become a risk to life. We are talking about a major access road connecting several local government areas, yet it has been abandoned to decay. If urgent action is not taken, especially before the rains intensify, entire communities will be cut off,” he said.

Ata further decried what he described as repeated “cosmetic interventions” by relevant authorities over the years, insisting that such temporary fixes have only worsened the problem.

“We have seen patches and superficial repairs come and go, but they never last. What we need now is a comprehensive, durable reconstruction of this road—not another round of shoddy jobs that wash away with the first heavy rainfall. Enough is enough.”

Also lending his voice, the immediate past Chairman of the Elebele Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Precious Okala, warned of dire socio-economic consequences if the situation persists.

“This road is the lifeline of our people. It supports commerce, movement, healthcare access, and education. Today, it has become a nightmare. Vehicles break down daily, transport fares are skyrocketing, and economic activities are being crippled. We are gradually being isolated,” Okala lamented.

He emphasized that the coming rainy season could completely sever access to affected communities if urgent reconstruction work is not commenced.

“If nothing is done immediately, once the rains fully set in, many communities along this corridor will be completely cut off. The alternative routes are far longer, more expensive, and in some cases, nonexistent. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a looming crisis.”

Okala further called on both the Bayelsa State Government and the NDDC to rise above bureaucratic delays and take decisive action.

“We are calling on the authorities to treat this as an emergency. This is not the time for promises or paperwork. Lives are at stake. We need a standard, long-lasting solution; a properly constructed road that will stand the test of time.”

Residents who spoke anonymously echoed similar concerns, recounting near-fatal accidents, vehicle damages, and the daily struggles of navigating the treacherous stretch. Commercial drivers, in particular, say the condition of the road has significantly increased operational costs, which are ultimately transferred to already burdened passengers.

The Elebele-Emeyal Road remains a strategic economic corridor in Bayelsa State, facilitating movement of goods and services across several riverine communities. Observers warn that continued neglect could further deepen rural isolation, hinder development, and exacerbate poverty levels in the affected areas.

As the rains approach, the call from Elebele residents grows louder and more urgent: fix the road now; or risk a complete breakdown of connectivity, safety, and economic stability in the region.

All eyes are now on the Bayelsa State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission to respond swiftly to what many describe as a ticking time bomb.