By Balogun Rufai

The Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has commenced routine and preventive maintenance works on the Owo–Ikare–Arigidi–Ekiti State border road in Ondo State, with emphasis on vegetation clearing, drainage desilting and removal of waste along the road shoulders.

The intervention, being carried out under FERMA’s Routine and Preventive Maintenance Works Programme, RPMWP, covers the section between Chainage 4+000 and 32+000.

Speaking during an inspection of the project, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Ondo State Field Office, Engineer Kenneth Yanum, said the exercise was aimed at improving road safety, protecting the road infrastructure and providing temporary employment for members of the host communities.

Yanum explained that about 50 workers had been engaged from the local communities for the one-month maintenance programme.

According to him, the exercise involves “clearing of vegetation and the waste that has been dumped on the road, and then desilting of drainages.”

He said excessive vegetation along the highway could obstruct motorists’ visibility and increase the risk of accidents, particularly when drivers are unable to see approaching vehicles.

The engineer added that desilting the drainage channels would help prevent water from remaining on the roadway and subsequently damaging the pavement.

He said the maintenance programme was part of FERMA’s responsibility to preserve the nation’s road assets and ensure safer movement for motorists.

Yanum also appealed to road users and residents to protect public infrastructure and promptly report sections of the road requiring attention.

“Please road users, let's take good care of our road assets, our roads. Let's not cut the road, let's not do things that will cause our road to get damaged,” he said.

He urged members of the public to report defects and other challenges on the road so that the agency could respond promptly.

Road users who spoke during the inspection welcomed the vegetation clearing and drainage works, while also appealing for further attention to potholes and other deteriorated portions of the highway.

Mr Oluyede Femi Emmanuel said the road had witnessed accidents and required further government intervention.

“We are suffering on this road. Accidents used to occur on this road. But we want our government to help us on this road,” he said, appealing for the road to be widened and properly cleared.

Another road user, Chief Kutelu Olumide, acknowledged ongoing interventions, particularly the filling of some potholes.

He said, “Most of the potholes have been filled, and it's a good development. We are a bit okay with the condition of the road for now. But there is room for improvement.”

Chief Kutelu also commended FERMA for its maintenance efforts.

Similarly, Mr Olaoba Ado described the condition of the road as poor, but noted that patching works were already being carried out.

He said the clearing of bushes and desilting of gutters would not only improve visibility but could also contribute to reducing insecurity along the highway.

“It is good for them because it will reduce insecurity. Some criminals will not be able to hide inside the den. And it also increases the view of the people,” Ado said.

Mr Christian, another motorist, complained about potholes which he said were damaging vehicle tyres and making movement difficult.

He, however, described the vegetation clearing as “a very, very good idea,” noting that it would reduce places where criminals could hide and improve visibility for motorists.

Also speaking, Mr Bamidele Godwin said the vegetation along the road had previously obstructed motorists’ visibility, particularly when attempting to overtake.

He described FERMA’s intervention as beneficial to both road safety and the sense of security of road users.

“With this job by FERMA, it's really great. It really helps us. It eases our tension. It makes us feel safer,” Godwin said.

The ongoing maintenance work is expected to continue for one month, with FERMA indicating that similar interventions would be extended to other sections of federal roads within the state as necessary.