The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Council, has expressed concern over the slow pace of work on major road projects across the state, urging contractors handling the projects to expedite construction to ease the hardship faced by motorists and residents.
The union made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday.
The communiqué, signed by the State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack, noted that although the Ondo State Government had embarked on several road construction projects, the pace of work on some critical roads remained unsatisfactory.
The journalists specifically identified the Akungba-Ikare, Okitipupa-Igbokoda and Akure-Idanre roads as projects requiring accelerated attention.
"The Congress acknowledges the ongoing road construction efforts of the Ondo State Government across the state but expresses reservations over the slow pace of work on some of the projects, particularly the Akungba-Ikare Akoko, Okitipupa-Igbokoda and Akure-Idanre roads.
"We therefore urge the contractors handling the projects to redouble their efforts and ensure their timely completion," the communiqué stated.
The union also described the ongoing construction of the flyover on Oba Adesida Road in Akure as a landmark project but appealed to the state government to make alternative routes more motorable to reduce the traffic congestion occasioned by the project.
It specifically called for the rehabilitation of Arakale Road to improve traffic flow within the state capital.
"The flyover project is commendable, but the government should ensure alternative routes, especially Arakale Road, are properly rehabilitated to ease traffic diversion and minimise hardship for road users," the union added.
On federal roads, the congress commended the Federal Government for the ongoing dualisation of the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Road as well as the reconstruction of the Akure-Ado Ekiti and Akure-Ondo-Ore highways.
It, however, lamented the poor condition of federal roads linking Ondo North Senatorial District, particularly in the Akoko axis, and urged political office holders from the area to facilitate their rehabilitation.
The union specifically called for urgent intervention on the Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun-Akoko-Ado Ekiti Road and the Owo-Ipele-Isua Akoko-Kabba Road.
Beyond road infrastructure, the congress urged the Ondo State and local governments to adopt proactive measures against flooding following recent incidents recorded in parts of the state.
It also applauded improvements at the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation, urging the state government to facilitate the placement of the television station on cable networks to enhance service delivery.
The journalists further commended the leadership of the Ondo State Council of the NUJ, led by Prince Leke Adegbite, for its efforts in protecting members' welfare and improving facilities at the union's Press Centre.
The congress also observed a minute's silence in honour of veteran journalist and former Managing Director of The Hope Newspapers, Sir Ademola Adetula, describing him as one of the finest journalists produced by the state and praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
0 Comments