Modupe Aderibigbe and Adesewa Adebunmi
Infrastructural development, especially construction of roads plays a critical role in socioeconomic growth of the communities and the state, hence the Oyo State government commitment of higher percentage of its Internally Generated Revenue to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of intra and inter cities road.
Of worthy of note is the rehabilitation of a long stretch abandoned Nigerian Tribune/Imalefalafia road in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
To the previous administration, it seemed the road has no economic value though it houses the oldest private newspaper, African Newspaper of Nigeria Plc.
However, Governor Seyi Makinde”s administration differs in its approach.
The rehabilitation of the road is not only about the Newspaper house but thousands of commuters that ply the road on a daily basis as well as eke out their livings.
With this in mind, Makinde, while approving the numbers of the internal roads in Ibadan to be rehabilitated reconstructed and ensured that the road is included.
On hearing the news and the mobilisation of the contractor to the site, residents and motorists could not hide their feelings as they are full of praises to the present administration in the state.
The rehabilitation of what seemed to them as an abandoned road has lessened their burden even with the increment of the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol, the fare charges by the okada riders plying the road remain the same.
Applauding the gesture of the Makinde-led administration, Mrs Ademisoye Adeola commended the state government as she submitted that the rehabilitation of the road has reduced the risk of accident in the area.
According to her, the new road has really reduced the rate of accident risk. I however, appeal to the state government to hasten with the other roads as over-dependence on the new will eventually implicate it,” she suggested.
Another resident, Mr Segun Onifade, said: “The wear and tear level of our cars has reduced drastically. Although other routes need attention as well and we hope the government looks into that soon”
Mr Abiola Akinyemi, a motorist, having commended the government, begged that the road linking to Ososami, Ade-Oyo junction needs due attention.
A shopowner in the community, Mrs Morenike Dario also lauded the state government for its efforts at making life better for them.
“The government has really gladdened our hearts and we look forward to more of this.
“We thank the government for the newly renovated road which has been of benefit to the community. Transportation now very easy unlike in the past. Vehicular movement on the road has been made easy. The government gesture has also reduced traffic congestion on the major Molete-Oke-Ado road.
“We appeal to the government for further improvement in the community by fixing all other roads for convenience. We also thank the government for the ones they have done for us and pray for more improvement,” she said
Abiola Akinyemi said: “The renovated road is an answer to our age-long prayers at Imalefalafia community. We are very grateful to the government for this successful project. Transportation has been made easy with the smoothness of the road.
“No more accidents and casualty like before. Also all other communities like Ososami, Iyana Adeoyo, among others need improvement, we don’t wish to record any more casualties so we plead to the government for further improvement in the community so it can be to each and everyone’s convenience”
To Segun Onifade, “Well, the new road is very okay and has benefitted the community so far but the only pity is that this project did not spread to all other communities.
“In my opinion, the government should spread their wings towards other community so that they can also benefit from it as well.
“We all understand that the government is doing their best but all the same they should try and touch other abandoned roads for renovation.
“The new road has benefitted the community as a whole in which transportation has become easy and smooth without any delay or accidents. It was a blessing indeed.”
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