Ondo govt explains delay on Akure road project after viral video
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The Ondo State Government has explained the delay in the ongoing Akure/Idanre road project following a public outcry by Prophet Samson Oluwamodede of the Prayer Centre Church of God (PCCG).
In a viral video, the cleric lamented the state of the road, describing it as a death trap that had claimed lives and property.
He urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene urgently, warning that he might mobilise resources to carry out surface repairs himself if nothing was done.
Responding, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, said the delay was due to incessant rainfall, which hindered palliative works.
“At Oke Aro, the contractor, who began work less than six months ago, has already achieved over 8,000 meters of lined drains – about 4km out of the 10km stretch. This is an impressive milestone in such a short time,” he explained.
He noted that road construction is a gradual process involving drains, culverts, earthworks and pavement, stressing that skipping stages would compromise quality.
Olawoye added that palliative works had now commenced as rains were subsiding, assuring that the full project would be delivered.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had in April flagged off the dualisation of the 10-kilometre Akure-Idanre road, which will feature a 28-metre-wide carriageway, modern traffic systems and solar-powered streetlights.
