The unfinished journey: Ogbomoso-Oyo road project by Remi OLADOYE
Remi Oladoye writes from Papa Ajiboye, Ogbomoso.
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For some months now, the Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) has stopped work on the ongoing construction of the Ogbomoso-Oyo road, leaving the project in a state of limbo. This 44.5-kilometer stretch, which is about 65% completed, has been a source of both relief and concern for road users in the region.
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The idea to have this express road was conceived in 1979, and it was not until the early 2000s, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, that the project gained momentum. The old road often became blocked for days, making the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers in the Oolo axis to work tirelessly to ensure safety on the road and control the traffic to avoid the gridlock.
The poor condition of the old road has led to loss of several lives and has sparked economic crisis in the area. The immediate past administration claimed to have paid the contractors all they needed to complete the road, but an impeccable source has revealed that this is not entirely true.
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The National Assembly lawmakers from the Ogbomoso and Oyo axis have been trying to persuade the federal government to complete the road, but their efforts seem to be falling short. They need to do more to ensure that this vital infrastructure is completed without further delays
A staff member of the construction company, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the irregularities in the payment for the project are responsible for the slow pace of work. The source stated that unless the government releases adequate fund, the road may not be completed this year.
When asked about the resumption of work, the source expressed uncertainty, saying, “I cannot say the exact time, but we may resume as soon as the government releases the funds.”
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The unfinished state of the Ogbomoso-Oyo road has been a source of frustration for the local communities along the stretch and other road users. The project’s delay has not only inconvenienced travelers but also hindered the economic development of the region. It is now imperative for the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the completion of this vital infrastructure project and provide the necessary resources to ensure its timely and successful completion.
