Oyo Govt Assures Quality as Iseyin-Saki Road Rehabilitation Gains Momentum

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality rehabilitation of the 83.83-kilometre Iseyin-Saki Road, a critical artery in the state’s transportation network. This initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure to bolster socio-economic development across the region.

Historically, the Iseyin-Saki Road has been a vital link connecting various communities within Oyo State. However, years of neglect had rendered it nearly impassable, leading to increased vehicle operating costs, higher accident rates, and significant loss of man-hours. The road’s deplorable condition had become a bottleneck, stifling the economic potential of the agrarian communities it serves.

Recognizing the road’s strategic importance, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, initiated a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. The project encompasses several critical activities:

• Clearing and Site Preparation: Removing vegetation and debris to create a clean workspace.
• Scarification: Breaking up the existing road surface to eliminate damaged materials and prepare for reconstruction.
• Earthworks: Excavating and reshaping the soil to establish a stable foundation, ensuring proper drainage and road stability.
• Construction of Retaining Walls: Building structures to prevent soil erosion, particularly on slopes, thereby enhancing the road’s durability.
• Installation of Lateritic Subbase and Crushed Stone Base Course: Laying foundational layers to absorb vehicle loads and distribute them evenly, providing strength and stability.
• Application of Wearing Course: Adding the topmost asphalt layer to offer a smooth driving surface and protect underlying layers from weather and traffic wear.

The project is slated for completion within three months, a timeline set to minimize disruptions and expedite the benefits to the local populace. The urgency is further underscored by the road’s current status as a ‘death trap,’ with numerous failed sections posing significant hazards to motorists.

Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure, and Transportation, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin, emphasized the government’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges. He highlighted that the rehabilitation aims to save lives and properties by mitigating accidents and enhancing the overall safety of the road.

This rehabilitation is part of a broader strategy by the Oyo State Government to modernize infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. Other notable projects include the reconstruction of the 34.85-kilometre Oyo-Iseyin Road, completed in September 2023, which has significantly improved commuting between Oyo and the Oke-Ogun zones, reducing travel time and boosting socio-economic activities in these agrarian regions.

Governor Makinde’s administration has also undertaken the rehabilitation of additional federal roads within the state, such as the 65-kilometre Moniya-Iseyin Road and the 35.3-kilometre Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, aiming to connect all zones within the state effectively and promote seamless movement of goods and people.

The emphasis on quality and adherence to timelines has garnered positive feedback from residents and stakeholders. Many have lauded the government’s initiative to prioritize infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in driving economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens. The proactive stance in rehabilitating federal roads, despite jurisdictional nuances, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to the welfare of its people.

Upon completion, the rehabilitated Iseyin-Saki Road is expected to:

• Enhance Accessibility: Facilitate smoother and safer travel between communities, thereby fostering social integration.
• Boost Economic Activities: Improve the efficiency of transporting agricultural produce to markets, stimulating economic growth in the region.
• Reduce Accident Rates: Address the hazardous conditions that have historically led to accidents, ensuring the safety of road users.

The Oyo State Government’s investment in infrastructure underscores a strategic vision to harness the state’s economic potential. By prioritizing quality in execution and focusing on projects with direct socio-economic impacts, the administration aims to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development.

As the rehabilitation of the Iseyin-Saki Road progresses, continuous monitoring and community engagement will be essential to ensure that the project meets the expectations of the populace and stands the test of time. The successful completion of this project will not only alleviate the hardships previously faced by commuters but also serve as a catalyst for further development in Oyo State.