Citizens kick as Akute-Alagbole road construction deadline elapses

A social accountability initiative focused on tracking implementation of government projects, Promise Ring, has called out Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to fulfil his promise to begin construction of Alagbole-Ayawoele-Ajuwon and Akute roads.

The digital Democracy Initiative, implemented by CIVICUS is an initiative of AdvoKC Foundation’s Promise Tracker’ for states, which tracks, reminds, and advocates for promises made by state governors to be kept, has notified that the deadlines set by Governor Abiodun to begin active construction on Alagbole-Ayawoele-Ajuwon and Akute roads have elapsed.

On July 8, 2024, prompted by widespread outcry from Ogun State residents about the deplorable state of roads in the state, Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the affected roads to witness firsthand their plight and declared that the roads would see active construction within three weeks.

According to him, “We have set a firm two-week deadline for the completion of the Denro-Ishasi Road project, and within two weeks, maximum of three weeks, there will be active construction along Alagbole-Ayawoele-Ajuwon and Akute roads.”

Despite the contract for the construction of the Alagbole-Ayawoele-Ajuwon Road being awarded, as confirmed by the governor on his social media platforms, the project tracking effort of AdvoKC revealed that visible work is yet to commence on these roads, and the “maximum three weeks” deadline has elapsed.

“It should be noted that the Alagbole-Ayawoele-Ajuwon and Akute roads are very important, as they are used by travellers to neighbouring states as well as traders.

“Additionally, the governor has promised to fix these roads several times but has repeatedly broken those promises. The promises on constructing good roads in the community date back to 1984,” Olatunde Dare, Head of the Promise Ring project said.

He said some residents have accused the government of paying lip service to their several complaints, after earlier promises to complete the road by January 16 last year.

The Guardian gathered that the governor’s latest promise brought another beacon of hope for many who have endured the challenges posed by these neglected roads for long.

Residents and commuters in the region are growing increasingly concerned and frustrated by the lack of visible progress. The dilapidated state of these roads has continued to cause significant inconvenience, affecting daily commutes, economic activities, and overall quality of life.

“We, therefore, urge Governor Dapo Abiodun to prioritize the welfare of Ogun State people and demonstrate his commitment to good governance by taking immediate steps to ensure that the promised ‘active construction along Alagbole-Ayawoele-Ajuwon and Akute roads’ begins without further delay,” Olatunde said.