By Mary Agidi
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About 120 farmers whose crops were affected by the construction of the phase one Okitipupa/Igbokoda Bypass road have been compensated financially by Ondo State government.
Presenting cheques to the beneficiaries at Okitipupa town hall, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), said the gesture is to relieve the crops owners so that they can start farming elsewhere or use the money on another project that will earn them a living.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Femi Agagu, Akeredolu noted that the construction of Okitipupa/Igbokoda road which will pass through Ikoya, Erinje down to Igbokoda will help to ease traffic which the proposed deap seaport will cause as the pace of economic activities would increase in the axis.
According to him, the Deap Seaport which will soon commence would attract so many industries and Okitipupa would not be able to cope with the traffic congestion, hence, the need to plan ahead and construct the bypass road.
He affirmed that Akeredolu-led administration is not the type that would promise what it cannot deliver, and assured the prompt completion of the project.
The Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Rt. Hon. Taofik Abdusallam informed that contractors have been mobilised to the site of the project, and appealed to the people of the area, especially youths, not to disturb the contractors but to rather ensure that their safety is guaranteed.
He noted that unskilled workers will be employed from the community to ensure that the community also benefit financially from the project.
The Jegun of Idepe, Oba Michael Obatuga was marvelled by the seriousness of the governor concerning the construction of the Bypass road, noting that he was surprised that within February when the project was flagged off and November, he has erased the doubt from the mind of the people that the project is another propaganda which governments are known for.
Also, the Asogbon of Erinje, Oba Adekoyejo commended the initiative and magnanimity of the governor to compensate farmers whose crops were affected, saying if the government decided not to, they cannot fight since the project is for the development of their communities.
The Deputy Chairman of the All Progressive Congress Party in the Southern Senatorial district, Dr. Ayodeji Oyedele also affirmed that the project, upon completion will add to the economic values of the area, and assured the Akeredolu-led administration of the full-support of Ikale people.
A beneficiary, who got about N2million compensation on her father’s crops, Morayo Ifarayajo appreciated the gesture, noting that she was happy that government fulfilled its promise.
Also, Adelakun Omolade, another beneficiary whose cassava stems and Palm trees were affected expressed satisfaction in the amount given as compensation.
Meanwhile, on the construction of the Ore flyover bridge, demolition of property has commenced by the contractors, as property’s owners were seen moving their valuables.