After months of frustration over the deplorable state of internal roads in Akure, the Ondo State capital, respite has finally come the way of residents, as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa embarks on a massive rehabilitation of critical road networks.

Residents who had endured hardship caused by the pothole-ridden roads have heaped praises on the governor for the ongoing asphalt overlay on several streets, a move they described as long overdue.

Many had raised concerns about the worsening condition of major routes, including Oda Road and the dualisation project at Ijoka, urging the state government to speed up its completion.

Particularly affected were inhabitants of Pelebe, Ilekun, Weliweli, Ijigba, and Aye communities, where road users frequently grappled with breakdowns due to the dilapidated state of the roads.

Motorists navigating key roads such as Ondo Road, Odi-Olowo/Isikan, Danjuma, Odole, Oke-Ijebu, Odopetu, and Oke-Aro faced daily struggles, as deep potholes turned the roads into nightmares, making commuting a torturous experience.

However, in what appears to be a swift response, the governor has in the past two weeks spearheaded the rehabilitation of several of these roads, much to the relief of the populace.

Among the roads already receiving facelift are Iloro-Owe Akala Street, Iro-Odopetu Road, and Alafiatayo-Odole-Odi-Olowo Road.

Expressing his delight, Mr Abiodun Adegbite, a resident, commended the administration’s efforts, noting that past governments had neglected the roads for years.

“Before now, cars would break down frequently because the entire stretch was riddled with potholes. But now, Governor Aiyedatiwa has not just patched the roads; he has completely overlaid them with asphalt from end to end. This is commendable. he said.”

Another resident, Mrs Funmilayo Adebisi, recounted how vehicle owners in Odi-Olowo and Odole areas constantly battled with repairs due to bad roads.

“Before now, visiting a mechanic workshop at least twice a week was inevitable. We felt abandoned. But with this administration, things have changed. The governor has shown us that he cares by completely rehabilitating our roads, she stated.”

Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa has assured residents of his commitment to infrastructural development and the timely completion of ongoing projects, including Oda Road, Ijoka Road, and the Shagari-Onyearugbulem flyover.

He said: “This road, which links Ecobank Junction and Arakale, has been neglected for years. But in line with our urban renewal drive, we are ensuring its completion. So far, 1.5 kilometres have been rehabilitated, and the contractor has assured us that the remaining 300 metres will be finalised soon.”

Residents remain hopeful that the momentum will be sustained, ensuring that more neglected roads across the state receive much-needed attention.