Road construction: ODSG ‘ll not compromise standard

The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Taiwo Otun has reiterated the determination of the ministry not to compromise on standard in the quality of roads being constructed in the state.

Otun stated this while leading a team of engineers to inspect some ongoing projects in the Northern Senatorial District of the state.

Otun said although the contractors were up to the task of building good roads, the need for the engineers in the ministry to inspect the quality of job done is essential.

According to him, all the roads were designed by competent engineers before being awarded to the contractors, it behoved the ministry as the agent of government to ensure that there was no deviation from original design.

He said the state government under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has spent a lot on provision of roads since it came on board noting that the engineers in the ministry will give all needed professional expertise to  justify the huge investment.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the ministry is not only concerned with road constructions and rehabilitations, but must also ensure that the roads are safe for users and are durable.

He observed that a situation where by newly constructed roads become death trap because of its smoothness or failed as a result of poor standard are no longer acceptable, adding that quality materials must be used and precautions, especially necessary road signs would be erected.

While welcoming the Permanent Secretary and his team to his palace, the Olugedegede of Igedegede in Akoko North West Local Government Area of the state, Oba Walidu Sanni thanked the state government for remembering Akoko in roads constructions and rehabilitations.

Oba Sanni called on motorists plying the road leading to Ibaram/Ikaram and Igedegede to Ajowa to take caution while driving on the  road to avoid accident

According to him, he has written a letter informing the state government that, since the road was rehabilitated some  accidents had occurred and lives were lost as a result of over-speeding, especially along the Igedegede river, he therefore urged the state government to come with measures to arrest the ugly situations.

Reacting to the royal father’s request, the Director, Civil Engineering department, Engr. Jayeola said a letter was received in that respect and efforts were on to rescue the trend.

At Ikaram, it was a joyful moment as the Contractor handling the 8km Ikaram Akunnu road had moved to site, residents were seen expressing their appreciations to governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for opening up the long abandoned road for reconstruction .

The Managing Director of RCF, the construction company handling the road project Engr. Romeo Francis said the road will be constructed to specifications and deliver to time.

Other projects inspected by the Permanent Secretary included, Ikare phase 2 dualization, iyere Ugbe road, Ijebu Owo Community Grammar School road and the construction of channels and culverts along Ijala river in Owo.