The Ondo State government has commenced asphalt-laying of 2.4km roads in Afunbiowo Estate along Akure/Idanre Road in Akure South Local Government Area, as part of its efforts to provide motorable access roads in the Suburb of the state capital.
The construction work, which had started in July last year, is near completion.
Fielding questions from journalists on the site on Thursday, Engr. Jubril Adebayo, Ministry Principal Resident Engineer, explained that the contractors moved to the site in July in 2023 and began to fill several potholes on the community roads with laterite.
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 listed other roads penciled down for construction as 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 also disclosed that the 1.4km road at Senior Staff Club, Ala Quarters, Akure has been completed.
Mr. 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.”
Residents of the Afunbiowo Estate expressed appreciation to the state government for constructing the road for the first time.
The recounted their horrible experiences during dry and rainy seasons which they said have now become history after the construction.
According to one of the residents, Peter 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.”
Mrs. Idris Jumoke said: “We thank God, our government remembered us. Before now, our clothes and homes were always dirty when the road.
Mr. Emmanuel Olaje described the road as being so bad.
He said: “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 them as professionals.
I want to appreciate the state government for being responsive to the yearnings of the people.”
Mrs. Osanife Lucky described the condition of the road as terrible before it was constructed, while Mrs. Abigail Emmanuel said: “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.”
