Adebayo Adenrele
The current terrible state of some access roads in Ado Ekiti has become a source of concern to many residents who have now called on government to find a lasting solution to the matter.
One of the mostly affected area is Odo-Ado access road linking the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
The ever busy route is currently in a deplorable condition with many failed portions thus making it difficult for road users to ply.
The condition of the road has resulted in daily traffic congestion, damages to vehicles and had also slowed down economic activities in the area.
Speaking with newsmen, a community leader in the area, High Chief Atoba Ope-Peter said commuters often spend two to four hours daily on the road before getting to their destination due to the poor state of the road urging government to look into the repair.
Also, a concerned citizen, Alhaji Gbamila Adeoye appealed to the Federal and State Governments to come to their aid as the road serve as the only access to Abuja and two major institutions in the state.
Alhaji Adeoye said: “It’s very unfortunate that every year we do have this kind of thing happening here but then I know the government have a lot to do but this is a special season were every part of the town or city is facing this kind of erosion.
He also called the attention of concerned authorities to Ilaro road around Odo Ado in the State Capital, saying the condition of the access road was worrisome.
“This is a federal road indeed but we could all see that what is happening is terrible and we are calling on both the federal and state governments to come to our aid and fix this road.
“There is no any other corner, no any other way. If someone is going to Abuja, this is the only road to Abuja. Apart from that, we have two major institutions here; the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. This is the major road to those institutions. A lot of people resides here, saying motorists normally spent many hours sometimes before getting to their destination.
“We need a quick intervention so that they can fix this road for us. We need a standby security agent to be diverting traffic. I pray that the government will come quickly and do something.
“We understand that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has a lot to do but at the same time, this kind of thing needs immediate intervention. We want the government to come to our aid and fix this road for us.”
A trader, Victoria Ademola, said the poor condition of the road has affected businesses negatively as well as brought untold hardship to the people.
According to her, “The road is very bad. There is no way for people to pass, no way for vehicle. The road is very bad. Government should come and help us to fix it.”
However, some motorists and travellers are expectant that the harrowing experience on the road will be a thing of the past.
