The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has initiated a safety intervention program on the Owo–Ikare–Arigidi–Ekiti State border road in Ondo State. This effort aims to improve road safety, enhance motorists' visibility, and reduce areas that could serve as hiding places for criminals. The program, part of FERMA's Routine and Preventive Maintenance Works Programme (RPMWP), covers a specific section of the highway and involves clearing bushes and desilting drainage channels.
The intervention program, being carried out under the supervision of Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Ondo State Field Office, Kenneth Yanum, covers the section of the highway between Chainage 4+000 and 32+000. Workers are clearing vegetation, desilting drainage channels, and removing refuse dumped along the road shoulders. This exercise is designed to protect the road infrastructure, improve safety, and provide temporary employment for members of the host communities.
About 50 people have been engaged from communities along the route for the one-month maintenance program. Yanum stated that the work is part of FERMA's mandate to preserve federal road assets. The exercise involves clearing vegetation and waste dumped on the road and desilting drainages. He explained that overgrown vegetation could obstruct motorists' visibility, particularly when drivers are trying to overtake or spot approaching vehicles, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
The clearing of drainage channels will prevent water from remaining on the roadway and eventually causing damage to the pavement. Yanum also appealed to motorists and residents to protect public infrastructure and report damaged sections of the highway to enable the agency to respond promptly. He emphasized the importance of taking good care of road assets and not damaging them.
Some road users who spoke during the inspection welcomed the intervention but appealed to the federal government to extend maintenance efforts to potholes and other deteriorated sections of the highway. Mr. Oluyede Femi Emmanuel said the road had recorded accidents in the past and required further intervention, particularly widening and comprehensive rehabilitation. He expressed concern about the road's condition and its impact on road users.
Other road users, such as Kutelu Olumide and Mr. Olaoba Ado, acknowledged the ongoing intervention and commended the positive developments. Olumide noted that most of the potholes had been filled, and it was a good development, but there was room for improvement. Ado described the road as being in poor condition but noted that patching works were already ongoing and commended the vegetation clearing and drainage desilting.
The removal of overgrown vegetation could also help address security concerns along the route by reducing areas where criminals could hide. Road users have expressed their appreciation for the intervention and hope that the federal government will continue to improve the road's condition. The program is expected to enhance road safety and provide temporary employment for local residents.
Key points
- FERMA begins safety interventions on Ondo federal roads to improve road safety and reduce hiding places for criminals.
- The intervention program covers a specific section of the highway and involves clearing bushes and desilting drainage channels.
- Road users welcome the intervention but appeal for further maintenance efforts on potholes and deteriorated sections of the highway.
