As part of its commitment to construct access roads in the state capital of Akure and its environment, the Ondo State Government has commenced the construction and asphalt-laying of 2.4km roads in Afunbiowo Estate along Akure/Idanre Road in Akure South Local Government Area of the State.
Speaking on the construction of the road, the Ministry Principal Resident Engineer, Engr. Jubril Adebayo, explained that the construction work which began in July 2023, will be completed before the raining season.
According to him, the contractors moved to the site in July in 2023 and began to fill several potholes on the community roads with laterite, while drainage system was also constructed to prevent the roads from collapsing before the asphalt-laying began a couple of days ago on 2.4km road.
He disclosed that other roads to be constructed to include, Alfa 3D internal road in Irese, Ilado along Igbatoro Road, Akure, and Redeemed/Sunview Road at Alagbaka all in Akure South Local Government Area.
The resident engineer however, disclosed that the 1.4km road at Senior Staff Club, Ala Quarters, Akure has been completed.
Adebayo said: “Construction work began here in July last year. The roads in the Afunbiowo Estate have never been asphalted, though there were some portions that were graded.
“The asphalt-laying began last Friday from the First Gate and the contractor would complete the 2.4km road before long.
“There are other roads which have been mapped out for construction. These include the Alfa 3D internal road, Irese, Ilado along Igbatoro Road, Alagbaka (Redeemed/Sunview Road.
“Although we have completed the construction of the 1.4km road at Senior Staff Club.
“So, government is working hard to ensure the people of the state have access to motorable roads across the state”
A resident, Peter Adeniyi, while commending the state government for bringing succour to the residents of the Afunbiowo Estate, expressed appreciation to the state government for constructing the road for the first time.
He recounted the horrible experiences of the residents especially during dry and rainy seasons but said it has now become history after the construction.
According to Adeniyi, “the potholes on the roads were many that it was so hard for vehicles to move. This is the first time they will be constructing this road.”
Another resident, Mrs. Jumoke Idris, said: “We thank God, our government remembered us. Before now, our clothes and homes were always dirty when the road is dusty and even duting the rainy season
“The drainage was not wide enough to take the volume of erosion that flowed during rainy season.
“When we saw the road construction, we were so happy. The quality of materials used portrayed the engineers as professionals
“I want to appreciate the state government for being responsive to the yearnings of the people.”
Mrs. Lucky Osanife, also described the condition of the road as terrible before it was constructed, saying : “The road was so dusty. Children going to school fell with their uniforms getting stained. The road was muddy during rainy season and dusty during dry season
“At first, when we said the construction equipment, we became curious because we couldn’t believe they would complete the road. We are happy because they gave us solid road.“