Ondo Assembly, Ministry strengthen collaboration for development

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure has expressed commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing to drive inclusive development across the state.

The lawmakers made this known during an oversight visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Akure, where they emphasised the need to expand infrastructural focus beyond roads to cover education, healthcare and rural access routes.

Led by Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairman, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, the delegation commended the Ministry’s detailed project briefing and acknowledged its technical capacity.

While appreciating the scope of ongoing roadworks, the lawmakers stressed the importance of addressing dilapidated school structures, hospitals, and other public utilities.

“We understand that your ministry is massive and critical to the legacy of this administration. But it is important to also pay attention to the drainage systems during construction; they should be wide enough. Blocked drainages cause flooding,” they said.

They emphasised the need for stronger synergy between both arms of government and urged the inclusion of an abandoned road project critical to peace and development in affected communities.

The Commissioner, Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, in his presentation, gave an overview of key road projects such as the 10km Idanre Road, the 37.2km Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road, and the 6.2km Akungba Axis Road, which he said are designed with modern features including solar lights, walkways, and advanced drainage systems.

He described the Akungba project as an “iconic project” due to its challenging terrain involving deep rock excavation of up to 18 metres in some areas.