Raji Adebayo

Residents of thirteen communities in Elebu area of Ido local government area of Ibadan, Oyo state capital have appealed to the Oyo state government, Oluyole local government and other concern authorities to come to their aids over the deplorable conditions of roads in their areas.

The communities are Orita-merin, Abese, Idi-ahun, African Jerusalem, Asaka, Araromi, Abobo, Abese, Aba-Ado, Buola, Agbada, Mekun-Ayo, Aba-Ayo, Bola, Olosun, and Temidire, all in ldo Local Government area.

Residents of the areas over the weekend lamented the hardship they have been passing through due to deplorable condition of the roads and called on Oyo the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, Oluyole local government Chairman, Akeem Olatunji and concern authorities to come to their aids in the reconstruction of the roads.

The roads, according to them have became a nightmare and death trap, saying they cannot drive on the road without causing damage to their vehicles, noting that during this rainy season, they sleeps in friends and relatives houses in metropolis whenever the rain met them at work or business places.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the residents, Gbenga Adegbuyiro said about two student lost their lives last year as a result deplorable condition of the roads during the raining season.

He further noted that many of residents of the area had abandoned their houses for other areas in Ibadan. .

Also the Spiritual Father of African Jerusalem Christian Ministry, Prophet Adebare Gideon Owoseni said the roads has been affecting livelihood of residents in the area, calling on government to intervene.

He lamented that the bad roads have also led to increased transportation costs, adding that residents are worried about the safety implications of the bad roads.

He said despite promises by government officials, the roads remain in disrepair, noting that residents are tired of excuses but want action.

“The road has been abandoned and neglected for long period of time, the road is very rocky and sandy during raining seasons, there are potholes on the road which are dangerous for passage of vehicles.

“This road serve large number of houses and government schools in the area, the whole communities and all nearby elementary schools in the area will benefit if the road is fix. We, from African Jerusalem Ministry have been maintaining the road before but with level increase in the number of houses in the area we cannot cope again”.

He however appealed to government to take responsibility and fix the roads which according to him has become source of embarrassment for the residents.

Meanwhile, a letter title “Request for Support on Road Construction” addressed to the Commissioner for Public Works in the state by the landlords/landladies in the area reads, “On behalf of the above-named community, I write to bring to your attention the poor condition of the road in our area.

“Mekun-Ayo Community is a community located along Elebu-Idi’Ahun axis of ldo Local Government. The community consist of Eight (8) zones of about Four
Thousand Five Hundred (4500) in population.

“Sir, the current state of our road is terrible and its causing significant inconvenience and safety concern for our people in the community. The main road and the connecting streets in our locality are in dire need of construction.

“Potholes, uneven surfaces and lack of proper draińage have led to increased risk of accidents and made it difficult for vehicles especially the ambulance to navigate the area.

“Also, the poor condition of the road is making It difficult for children to walk to school and for the elderly to move around safely.

“We have brought this matter to the attention of the local authorities severally but so far, no significant action has been taken. Therefore, we urge you to help us take up this matter with concerned autionies to help us with the construction”