By Demi Adeniyi
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has given approval for the reconstruction of 32km Sango-Ijoko-Akute-Yakoyo and 8km Mowe-Ofada roads.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Waheed Odusile made this known in Abeokuta on Wednesday, while addressing journalists alongside his counterpart in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya.
Odusile said the governor gave the approval during the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday, August 1, 2022.
He stated that even though the roads belong to the Federal Government, the governor was not happy with the hardship been experienced by citizens on those roads, hence the urgent need for the reconstruction work to start to make the roads motorable for the people and for them to enjoy the best of life as much as possible.
Speaking on how the construction work would be funded without affecting the welfare of state workforce and the retirees even in the face of glaring dwindling federal allocation, Odusile said, “the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun without inflicting pains on the citizens, has been able to increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the State, while prudently allocating resources to the areas that need funds the most.”
On his part, Akinsanya disclosed that the Sango-Akute-Yakoyo road which had been awarded to contractors would be constructed in six phases with construction works commencing at both ends simultaneously.
Akinsanya said the 32 km road had been divided into six phases and construction work would be ongoing simultaneously. The first phase which would start from Sango roundabout to Ijoko Bridge is 8.5km, while the sixth phase starting from Lagos-Ogun boundary to Ojodu- Abiodun end is 1.5km, noting that the reconstruction would be completed in December 2022.
Speaking on the Mowe-Ofada road which had only one section asphalted without the last layer, Akinsanya revealed that the road had been re-awarded to a new contractor with proven records who would be able to deliver in record time.
The Works and Infrastructure Commissioner added that some other roads that had started receiving the attention of the government include, Ilaro road with laying of asphalt and Owode – Idiroko road with evacuation work ongoing, assuring that work would soon start on Itori – Ewekoro – Ifo – Sango – Toll Gate road. He added that the Abiodun-led government was working on a master plan for drainage system for the state to end flooding often experienced in major towns and cities, especially during heavy downpour, urging the residents to complement government’s efforts by keeping the drainages clean and stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse to allow free flow of water in the drains, and in-turn make the road last longer.
