For over a year, several roads across Ondo State have remained under construction, with little or no meaningful progress. The Akure–Okearo–Idanre and Akungba–Ikare roads are glaring examples of how road dualisation projects should not be handled.
Available observations suggest that the contractors handling these projects lack the necessary technical capacity, adequate equipment and sufficient manpower to deliver the jobs within a reasonable timeframe.
On some days, it is difficult to find even two tractors working simultaneously on these roads.Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa may have demonstrated commitment to these projects by initiating and pursuing their execution, but the apparent inability of the contractors to deliver is undermining the intended benefits of the government’s efforts.With another dry season upon us, residents along these roads are once again faced with the prospect of breathing and ingesting large quantities of dust.
This is not merely an inconvenience; it is a serious public health and safety concern.The consequences are far-reaching and include:- Increased risks of asthma attacks, bronchitis and other respiratory infections.- Eye irritation and skin-related problems.- Contamination of food and water sources by airborne dust.- Greater health risks for children, pregnant women and elderly residents.- Increased road accidents resulting from poor visibility, unsafe diversions and inadequate warning signs.- Loss of income and economic opportunities for traders, farmers, transporters and other road users whose businesses depend on these routes.
Beyond the inconvenience and economic hardship, this situation raises serious concerns about the fundamental rights of residents, particularly the right to life, the dignity of the human person, the right to livelihood and the right to a safe and healthy neighbourhood.
The question, therefore, is: Will the Ondo State Government continue to watch while residents endure these avoidable hardships because of contractors who appear unable to meet the demands of the projects?The government still has an opportunity to review the situation, take decisive action and engage competent construction firms where necessary.
Public infrastructure projects should not become prolonged sources of suffering for the very people they are intended to benefit.Another dry season should not mean another season of dust, respiratory illnesses, accidents and economic losses for residents.WHAT MUST BE DONE?
The Ondo State Government must urgently adopt the following measures:
1. Enforce immediate environmental and safety measures: Contractors should be compelled to regularly water construction routes to suppress dust, provide safe alternative diversions, install adequate road signs and warning signals, and ensure proper drainage works while construction continues.
2. Conduct a public performance audit: The government should independently assess every contractor handling these roads, examining available equipment, workforce capacity, actual work completed and payments made.
3. Establish clear performance targets: Specific and enforceable milestones should be set, with appropriate sanctions for contractors who fail to meet agreed deadlines.
4. Terminate and replace non-performing contractors where necessary: Any contractor found incapable of delivering the project should be replaced with a technically competent and adequately equipped firm. The interest and safety of the people must take precedence.
5. Ensure transparency and public accountability: Regular progress reports should be made available to residents, detailing the level of work completed, challenges encountered and expected completion dates.Road construction should bring development, not prolonged suffering.
The people of Ondo State deserve infrastructure that improves their quality of life rather than exposes them to avoidable health hazards, accidents and economic hardship.
The government must act now. The safety, dignity and livelihoods of the people cannot continue to be sacrificed on the altar of delayed projects and poor contractor performance.
HOW SHALL WE LIVE?
Prof. Olugbenga Oke-SamuelIdanre Hills
