The Executive Chairman of Biase Local Government Area, Hon. Edodi Edodi Eyong, has directed the immediate commencement of restoration work at the Ugbem-Ubaghara Beach Pontoon as part of efforts to address transportation challenges and strengthen economic connectivity across the area.
The directive follows an earlier inspection of the facility on September 26, 2026, and underscores the Chairman’s commitment to restoring the vital transportation link, which serves Ugbem Community and several communities in the Ubaghara region.
The pontoon connects Ugbem Community in Biase to Etono Central, Ikun, Etono II and Biakpan, providing an important crossing point for the movement of residents, vehicles and goods. It also serves as an economic link between the communities and Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, facilitating trade and access to neighbouring communities.
The significance of the restoration was highlighted during a recent ward-to-ward consultation visit to the Ubaghara region by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and the APC candidate for Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency, Hon. (Onun) Ngim Okpo. Due to the non-functionality of the pontoon, the delegation had to travel through Ebonyi and Abia States to access Ikun/Etono and Biakpan Wards.
The development illustrates the additional distance and inconvenience residents and visitors encounter whenever the pontoon is unavailable, making its restoration a critical intervention for improved accessibility and economic activities.
The project is being pursued by the Executive Chairman in consultation with Ubaghara leaders and in collaboration with the People First Administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State.
Upon completion, the restored facility is expected to significantly ease the transportation of people and agricultural produce, facilitate the movement of goods, stimulate commercial activities and provide a more direct connection between the affected communities and neighbouring parts of the region.
The intervention is particularly significant for residents of Ugbem, Ubaghara, Ayimo and Biase at large, as it addresses a longstanding transportation need with far-reaching implications for grassroots development and economic growth.
The initiative further reflects the commitment of the Edodi Edodi Eyong-led administration to delivering practical community-based interventions under its Liberation Administration agenda, while complementing the development priorities of Governor Otu’s People First Administration.
HON. DESTINY IKANG
Supervisor for Information and Sports
Biase Local Government Area
