Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has constructed a 4.5km Agadagba-Obon/Pereama Ajapa virgin road in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing reporters during an unscheduled inspection of the road project, the Commissioner for Lands and Infrastructure, Engr. Raimi Aminu, expressed satisfaction with the level of work done.
He said the new road would open up socio-economic activities in the area, adding that it will make life more meaningful to the people.
The Works and Infrastructure commissioner disclosed that a lot of engineering techniques were deployed to build the road because of the waterlog nature and terrain of the area.
“This is a special terrain because it is a riverine area, so the conventional method of doing most of the township roads is not the one we deployed here. Here now because of the nature of the terrain we stabilised so many places and used some engineering techniques like crushed stone base and filter bed in some areas.
“We also have some culverts. Also, the thickness of the asphalt is not the normal conventional thickness that we are using. With the level of completion and the quality of work done we are extremely happy and we can say that we are having value for money being paid by government”, Aminu added.
While noting that a total of 3.8 km length out of the 4.5 km length have been completed so far with asphalt overlay, the commissioner further said the remaining length would be completed with asphalt overlay within the next few weeks.
He said contrary to the perception that the road was meant to hoodwinked the people when it was awarded close to the election last year, the road project has now become a reality.
Aminu saluted the courage of the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for executing various massive and life transforming projects across the three senatorial districts of the state despite the paucity of funds.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo who is also an indigene of the area, expressed gratitude to Governor Akeredolu for fulfilling his promise to the people even though many people expressed doubt about the sincerity of the Governor to construct the new road.
Ojogo applauded the quality of work done as well as high level of competence and commitment deployed for the success of the project, adding that what has now become a good road was a footpath before.
“It takes seriousness and determination of a Governor to insist that, yes, I can do it, and this is what has happened. So, every indigene of this kingdom is impressed because this is the first time any road of this magnitude would be constructed in this side of the state.
“This major road will open up economic activities and also enhance the springing up of other communities for development. There are so many of our people who have landed property here but it was not accessible. But with what has happened now it is really an economic answer that the people of Arogbo-Ijaw kingdom would really savor.
“I know the people led by the Agadagba of Arogbo-Ijaw kingdom are very happy, particularly for the Governor and the son of the soil, High Chief Bibopere Ajube, for attracting development to his area”, Ojogo said.
