Work will soon commence on the 25-kilometre Odode-Idanre/Ala Elefosan road project in Idanre Local Government area, aimed at improving transportation and boosting rural connectivity in the region.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, flagged off the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) earlier this year.

Officials of RAAMP, at the weekend, presented the construction firm, Dortmund Contractors, handling the project to the beneficiaries during a stakeholders’ meeting, in line with World Bank guidelines.

Presenting the contractor to the enthusiastic beneficiaries, the Ondo State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Mr Femi Adetanmi, said Idanre was fortunate to have two road projects awarded simultaneously, alongside a modern market project set to commence within a month.

Represented by the Infrastructure Engineer of the agency, Mr Israel Arighaye, Mr Adetanmi called for mutual cooperation with the contractor and assured stakeholders of the contractor’s competence and commitment to timely delivery.

The Environmental Safeguard Officer of RAAMP, Mrs Olufunke Owolabi, stated that the completed road would be of immense benefit to the people, enhancing both their economic and social wellbeing. “The road will be straight,” she added.

She emphasised that the project had been awarded to a competent, experienced, reliable, and well-equipped contractor who would ensure minimal discomfort during the construction process.

Mrs Owolabi also noted that some rock blasting, though unavoidable, would be carried out in a manner that avoids significant environmental hazards, including unnecessary air or noise pollution.

The Leader of the Legislative House, Idanre Local Government, Rt. Hon. Osedele Folarin, who represented the Council Chairman, Mr Smart Adeuyi Omotadowa, thanked His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the council chairman for facilitating the project.

Folarin, who is also the councillor representing the ward, pledged to ensure a harmonious relationship with the contractor handling the project.

He, however, appealed for local artisans and youths from Idanre to be given employment opportunities as part of the project’s social responsibility, to foster goodwill and provide a means of livelihood.

The Managing Director of the construction company, Mr. Pius Ayodele, assured attendees of timely project delivery but pleaded for understanding, noting that some economic trees might be affected during land clearing.

Community leaders who spoke at the meeting expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and promised full cooperation with the contractor to ensure speedy completion of the road project.