The Residents of Igoba community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State are now in joyous mood and heave a sigh of relief as the state government began the asphalt-laying of the major road in the community.
Apparently, the residents had suffered various accidents on the road as a result of the bad condition of the road.
The state government embarked on rehabilitation of the 2.5 km road to ease vehicular and human traffic on the ever busy road.
Fielding questions from journalists, the site engineer for the project, Akinola Abimbola explained that the road was among roads approved for asphalt-laying by the state government.
He said: “We started the asphalt-laying yesterday and we hope to complete it as soon as possible. The road is 2.5km and we are going to cover up to 1km between today and tomorrow.”
Speaking with newsmen, residents of the community recounted their ordeals before the new development.
Adeola Adesua, who sells soft drinks in bulk along the road, disclosed that he had been facing serious economic hardship as there was poor patronage due to the poor state of the road.
According to him, the road was so dusty during dry season and slippery during rainy season.
Emmanuel, a commercial motorcyclist who plies the road, lamented that a lot of his colleagues and passengers had been involved in serious accidents on the road.
He said some people sustained serious injuries with some having fractures due to the slippery nature of the road during rainy season.
Mrs. Asikiola Oyetola appreciated the state government for having them in mind, saying they had lost hope thinking the road would remain in deplorable condition for the rest of the year again.
She reasoned that with the new development, business activities would pick up again in the community, adding that those who had abandoned their shops due to the deplorable condition of the road would return to their shops. Another resident, who has a shop along the road, Mrs. Sina Kikelomo disclosed that at a time, she fell sick due to the dust she inhaled while staying in her shop.
Apparently, he appreciated the state government for rehabilitating the road.
Mr. Adetokunbo, a resident of the community, commended the government and the contractor for doing a quality job on the road.
He said, “Looking at the quality of the job done on the road, one can be sure that it would last”.
“The drainage system is well constructed and the thickness of the asphalt laid on the road would accommodate heavy duty vehicles as well.”
Apparently, the state’s government, through the Ministry of Works has approved for rehabilitation Igoba, Ifesowapo, Ajipowo and Igele communities.
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