By Udesinanna Stephen
Ado-Ekiti is one of the southwest states with good road network and layouts especially it’s linkage routes with neighboring towns such as Iyin, Ifaki, Ikere, Ilawe etc.
However, over the years some of these roads have suffered neglect from successive goverments this making them impassable.
The current amendments to some of these roads by Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a commendable effort but such stride could stand the test of time if the issue of poor drainage system is addressed.
It is imperative to recall some commitment shown by Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji towards better roads in the state.
Recently, Roundoffnews reported that
Oyebanji met the team of Dromo Construction Ltd and some other government officials to review ongoing projects in the state, which include road constructions Oyebanji charged contractors handling various jobs in the state to deliver ensure that the jobs were completed on time.
See: https://roundoffnews.com/road-project-oyebanji-demands-quality-jobs/
Also, the Governor has shown interest in roads, when he recently inspected roads and drainages projects in the Bashiri area of the state capital, Ado Ekiti, as part of his efforts to monitor and evaluate the progress of work. See: https://roundoffnews.com/oyebanji-inspects-road-construction-in-ekiti-state-insists-on-quality-job/
In fact, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Ekiti State not too long commended the swift action of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to ensure that the inter and intra roads in the state are motorable.
See: https://roundoffnews.com/ekiti-nurtw-commends-oyebanji-on-roads-rehabilitation/
Notwithstanding, efforts have been invested in the amendment and construction of these roads but there is a need to look into Ekiti drainages that pose a threat to the longevity of the existing roads.
This observation is coming following the recent downpour that has revealed the poor state of some drainages within the state capital.
Roundoffnews reporter observed that some drainages have fallen off, others loaded with trash from residents’ improper disposals of waste denying free flow of water.
If this persists, the existing roads within these poor drainage areas would be damaged by the overflow of water caused by heavy downpours; recent rain is testimony to that.
In this regard, Some Drivers in Ado- Ekiti wants government to ensure the concern drainages are fixed on time.
Speaking with Tunde Balogun, a motorcycle driver, “If you check Irona roundabout, parts of Ilawe road and junction leading to NTA roads have this issues, there are others that I can’t recall now”.
Another driver who pleaded anonymity said, the problem is not the road but the waterways, we need a better water channel to control heavy downpours this will not help roads but also other buildings that face risk during rainy seasons.
He also added that freeing drainages or having better waterways in Ado roads is a calculated attempt to safeguard the roads.
A driver who identified himself as Baba Kola Ade advised the state government to include the fixing of waterways in the state’s construction project adding that it is paramount for the longevity of the road.
In his words, “The government is fixing some part of the road, it would be fine if drainages are included so that the existing roads can last.”
