The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced safety intervention programme along Owo-Ikare–Akungba and Ekiti South-bound roads in Ondo State.

Abiosun Oyelami, the federal road maintenance engineer in Ondo State, disclosed this in an interview on Sunday in Akure.

Mr Oyelami explained that the intervention programme was part of efforts to improve safety and protect federal road infrastructure.

He said the intervention, under the Operation Safeguard the Road programme, marked the second phase of the initiative in the state.

According to him, the programme focuses on pothole patching, vegetation control, carriageway cleaning and drainage desilting to improve visibility and ensure safer movement for motorists along the route.

“The programme is designed to preserve and protect federal roads while enhancing safety for all road users.

“It will also help to reduce travel time, accident rates and vehicle maintenance costs on the corridor,” he said.

Mr Oyelami explained that FERMA engaged about 50 youths residing along the corridor to carry out the maintenance activities.

He said the workers were properly documented to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation process.

Mr Oyelami noted that the participants had completed their orientation and safety sensitisation before deployment to different sections of the road.

He disclosed that the workers were divided into three operational teams for effective implementation of the programme.

“The vegetation control team was deployed to bends and corners along the Owo–Ikare–Arigidi axis to improve visibility for drivers and reduce criminal hideouts along the route.

“The second team is handling pothole patching, while the third team is carrying out carriageway and drainage desilting activities,” he said.

Mr Oyelami added that the initiative had an economic empowerment component through monthly stipends for the youths engaged under the programme.

He said the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and was conceived under the leadership of FERMA Managing Director, Emeka Agbasi.

Mr Oyelami reaffirmed FERMA’s commitment to maintaining federal roads in Ondo State and appealed to motorists to cooperate with workers handling the intervention exercise. 

(NAN)