By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

Motorists and residents of Ondo City in Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State have lamented the poor state of inter-city roads within the council area.

Our correspondent, who moved around the town on Tuesday, observed that the worst-hit sections include parts of the popular General Hospital, Odosida, and Fagun roads leading to the local government secretariat in the city.

The Hope noted that the Sabo, Ayeyemi, Town Hall, and some other roads within the city are riddled with deep potholes, making driving a harrowing experience for motorists.

It was learned that driving on these roads becomes even more difficult when it rains, as drivers are unable to gauge the depth of the water-filled potholes.

It was also observed that some palliative work had been done on certain roads, with stones and sand used to fill some of the potholes.

Some motorists, who shared their frustrations while navigating the bad portions of the roads, urged the local government chairman to consider their plight and fix the roads urgently.

A driver, Mr. Adeniyi Olawale, said motorists are bearing the brunt of the poor road conditions and urged the relevant authorities to take action.

“The major help motorists and residents need in this community is for the government to fix the roads. They only cut some sections of the road to deceive motorists into thinking repairs are underway.

“The inter-city roads have damaged many vehicles and caused accidents, leading to loss of lives. We’ve been complaining about the roads, but nothing significant has been done.”

A tricyclist, Mr. Adekunle, said, “The inter-city roads are usually worse during heavy rainfall. I can recount several accidents that have happened on these roads. The annoying part is that I heard residents have written several letters to the local government, but nothing has changed.” Olawale lamented

A resident, Mrs. Caroline Awolope , recalled how the deplorable state of the roads nearly caused an accident and left her with a permanent scar on her left leg.

She said, “Residents have complained about the situation to no avail. I don’t drive frequently, but whenever I use a motorcycle, I know what I go through. The potholes are too many, and the roads worsen every day.

“I remember one time the cab I boarded almost had an accident because of the bad road. I sustained an injury on my left leg after hitting it against a sharp edge inside the cab. The government should please help us fix the roads.”

They called on the local government chairman—who is responsible for the administration of the council—as well as political leaders, the House of Representatives member, House of Assembly members, and corporate organisations to assist in fixing the inter-city roads in Ondo.

The Hope reported that the Ondo West Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, recently stated his commitment to achieving “zero potholes on major roads in Ondo.”