It would be recalled that the Ido-Eruwa road project was flagged off on the 2nd of February 2023 by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde and was estimated to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024. Quite unfortunate that the estimation is already proofing wrong with the kind of work rendered by the contractors. The road reconstruction is a major road project that links the Oyo State Capital, Ibadan and the Ibarapa Zones.
While the efforts of the Oyo State Government to bring development, through the road construction to Ido/Eruwa road is commendable, it’s worrisome that the project was awarded as compensation, neglecting the fact that the road needs to be constructed in the highest quality.
To the public dismay, the contractors have displayed their charlatans and could not offer a quality service. Doubt if we still have human beings with humane blood running in their veins amidst those contractors benefiting from the government.
Obviously, the Governor cannot be everywhere at the same time, but as citizens we must take it upon ourselves to follow up on all the projects in our community. It’s our duty as patriotic citizens to observe and alert where necessary. We must carry out a citizenry inspection to ensure high standard quality of work delivery at the various construction sites.
Considering the huge resources the government has invested in the project, the work delivered in terms of quality and efficient service delivery has obviously shown that it’s counterproductive.
It’s on this note that I am expressing the displeasure and dissatisfaction of all the good people of Eruwa and Ibarapa at large over the destitute and unprofessional quality of work done by the contractors of the Ido Eruwa Road. Considering the sophisticated and compromised quality of the construction and the slow pace of work.
Findings revealed that the contractor engaged by the Governor to handle the construction from the Eruwa end is a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ibarapa zone and also a member of Governor Makinde’s Advisory Council.
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The good people of Ibarapa condemn in totality the on-going construction work on Ido-Eruwa road, urging the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde to sanction the contractor for the shoddy works and their inabilities to intensify the pace of work.
Interestingly, we are intelligibly aware that it’s the responsibility of a good administrator to give direction, make clear vision, motivate, inspire, and help create an enabling environment by promoting collaboration among the subordinates.
Fortunately for us in Oyo State, we are blessed with a Governor that possesses all the qualities of a good administrator, But as it is, we must inform our Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on the need to be very careful in awarding contracts, especially when it has to do with infrastructure related projects. Contracts should not just be awarded but should as well be monitored so that works will be done properly.
The question on many lips is why would the state government compensate such a huge project to reciprocate loyalty? What are the antecedents of the contractors especially in road construction? Why are the contractors operating slowly to be delaying the estimated delivery period?
Necessary consideration should be put in place in government contracting processes. The government should not support the engagement of quacks or wheelbarrow contractors. The requirements should not be porous to accommodate charlatans from winning and executing a government road contract. This will help a lot in securing quality service delivery by most contractors.
When a government share contracts as compassionate gifts to undeserving, incapable political associates, friends and family members, the sense of entitlement that often results in shoddy delivery of such projects is what we are actually receiving from the contractors of Ido-Eruwa road.
The Governor Makinde that I know does not and will never accept mediocrity delivery on public projects.
I charge His Excellency to task the contractors to present the project specifications for review of at all they will be exonerated to proceed on the projects. Road projects should be awarded to professionals, those who are experts and can reference at least five different highway constructions they have done in the past.
The action of the contractor is nothing but economic sabotage against the people of Oyo State, particularly the people of Ibarapa. A cogent reason to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to wade into the matter to bring the culprits to book.
The people of Ibarapa who are major commuters of the road have been left with no option than facing untold hardship instead of relief that the road was supposed to bring to them. The epileptic condition of the road is equally making it difficult for both intra and inter communal interaction, which is affecting smooth distribution of goods and services.
On a final note, I want to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his good work in the state, such as road network in the state, provision of health care facilities, employment opportunities in the teaching service commission and state universal basic education board, recent increment in the worker’s minimum wages and lots more.
Comrade Adedokun Sunday Harshasha writes from Eruwa, Ibarapa Zone, Oyo State
