The Ondo State Government has begun constructing roads in the rural areas of the state's three senatorial districts as part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
The project, which the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, launched on Friday, aims to make it easier to transport farm produce to urban centers and will cost N1.2 billion.
During the project's launch at Oda Community in the Akure South Local Government Area, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that it reflects the government's commitment to developing rural communities in the state.
The road project will start with the construction of a 15.5km long road that will pass through Oda Cocoa Board – Camp 2 – Lagbido road in the local government.
He explained, “Since the beginning of our administration, we have made intentional efforts to implement various life-changing programs and projects aimed at improving the lives and living standards of our large farming population.
“We were determined that the government needed to do more in the rural areas of Ondo State, and I am pleased that the road project being launched fulfills this objective and marks the beginning of construction of several rural roads by RAAMP.
“I want to emphasize our dedication to the development of the grassroots and, by extension, the people of Ondo State. Through this platform, I assure you that we will continue to undertake more development projects for the benefit of our people.”
In his statement, the state project coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Femi Adetanmi, disclosed that the project is anticipated to cost N1.2 billion and is projected to be finished within 18 months.
He clarified that the roads will be beneficial to the people of Ondo State as they will provide easy access for farmers to transport their produce, thereby reducing food scarcity.
He stated that the main goal of RAAMP is to provide access to rural communities, improve agricultural marketing, preservation, and construction of important structures to enhance the marketing of farm products through value addition and reducing post-harvest losses, hence the need for road construction.
“Once the rural roads are completed, they will connect people in rural communities with urban areas, enabling the smooth transportation of farm produce – a benefit that has eluded the communities for years.
“I therefore, humbly urge all farmers to ensure that, through this benefit, farm products are readily available in sufficient quantities in the markets to eliminate food scarcity resulting from poor road networks in rural and farming areas,” the coordinator expressed.
He also revealed that the first phase of the construction will span the three senatorial districts of the state, which are Oda-Cocoa Board to Langbodi in Akure South LG, Ode-Omi to Ebute Iyara in Irele LG, and Ifira Akoko to Afo in Akoko South/East LG, and all construction work will begin simultaneously.
