FERMA warns residents against abuse, damage of rehabilitated roads in Ekiti
FERMA Issues Warning as Road Projects Progress in Ekiti
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has issued a warning to motorists and residents in Ekiti State about practices that could harm newly rehabilitated federal roads. Concerns include indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles, spillage of petroleum products, and vandalism of public infrastructure.
Engineer Francis Isabiyi, Director of West Operations at FERMA, delivered the warning during an inspection of Sukuk-funded road projects in the state. This visit was part of a nationwide assessment of federal road initiatives financed through the Sukuk bond program.
The inspection included critical project sites such as a 1.2-kilometre road segment passing through the Ikunri Modern Market (Alubarika Market) in Ikunri-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, and a 1.6-kilometre section linking Itawure to the Osun State boundary.
Isabiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work completed. He noted that FERMA’s sectional repairs have successfully restored significantly damaged areas of the road. The agency’s strategy involves rehabilitating essential segments of federal roads rather than engaging in full reconstruction, with similar projects underway across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Describing the inspected route as a vital corridor, Isabiyi highlighted its connectivity to major locations, including Abuja, Ifaki, Ikole, and Omuo, as well as links to Lagos, Ilorin, and Kogi State. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in maintaining the infrastructure, stating that human activities often compromise the quality of newly repaired roads.
“Indiscriminate parking of trucks on rehabilitated sections leads to diesel and petrol spillage, which weakens the road surface. Communities must discourage such practices,” he said.
Isabiyi also addressed issues of vandalism, including the theft of installed streetlights and the removal of guardrails. He urged the public to protect these community assets.
At the Itawure site, Zonal Director for Southwest, Alonge Babatunde, praised the project as satisfactory, noting that while minor issues had been identified, they would be addressed promptly. He confirmed that the project remains within its six-month completion timeline and commended the contractor for consistent progress.
Babatunde urged motorists to adhere to speed limits on the improved road, pointing out that rehabilitation efforts have significantly reduced accidents and vehicle breakdowns. He highlighted the economic advantages of the project, suggesting that better road conditions would facilitate mobility, enhance commercial activities, and support local businesses.
Residents and road users voiced their appreciation for the federal government’s intervention during the inspection. Many noted improvements in safety, reduced travel time, and more favorable economic prospects.
Commuters in Ikunri remarked on the transformation of the once-dilapidated road into a passable route and expressed hopes for further repairs in adjoining areas that remain in poor condition, particularly near Ayedun. Similarly, participants at the Itawure axis characterized the rehabilitation as a significant relief, urging continued infrastructure development throughout the state.
