Ondo roads now death traps, says ex-senator, Tofowomo
Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in Ekiti State, Simon Adeniyi, has shed light on the challenges hindering the maintenance of federal roads in Ekiti State.

According to him, the rainy season has been a major obstacle, making it impossible to carry out meaningful work on the roads.

Adeniyi explained that FERMA’s role is to maintain existing roads, while the Federal Ministry of Works handles reconstruction and major rehabilitation projects.

He assured the citizens that the Federal Government is working to fix the roads, but the weather has been a significant challenge.

The FERMA Director, who revealed that several federal roads in Ekiti State are currently under construction or rehabilitation, including the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure Road, Ado-Ikere-Akure Road, and Ifaki-Ikole-Omuo Road, urged the citizens to be patient, as the work will commence after the rainy season.

Adeniyi also highlighted the issue of funding, stating that contractors are struggling to access funds, which is hindering the progress of the projects.

He emphasised that FERMA does not pay contractors until the work is completed, and that the agency is working to ensure that the roads are maintained.

Meanwhile, the FERMA Director’s assurances may have come as a relief to citizens who have been complaining about the deplorable state of the roads. With the Federal Government’s commitment to fixing the roads, Ekiti State residents can look forward to better infrastructure and improved transportation.

Relatedly, a former senator, Nicholas Tofowomo, has raised concerns over the state of federal roads in Ondo State.

Tofowomo, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), spoke with journalists in Okitipupa.

He said the situation is particularly dire in Ondo South Senatorial District, where roads have become almost impassable.

The former senator faulted FERMA for “failing” to maintain critical roads across the country.

“I urge the Senate and House of Representatives committees on FERMA to stand up to their responsibilities by doing the needful to save lives on these federal roads,” he said.

He, however, implored the Federal Government to make road maintenance a national priority, saying this would not only save lives but also enhance trade and movement of goods and services.