Mixed Reactions Trail Osun APC ‘Yes or No’ LG Chairmen Rural Roads Grading
Mixed reactions have trailed the grading of rural roads by the local government chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress in the October 15, 2022 election in Osun State.
It would be recalled that the chairmen through their leader, Mr Abiodun Idowu, had announced that each of the councils are expected to grade 35km in their respective areas.
Abiodun said the road grading exercise will enhance and scale up rural-urban mobility for rapid socioeconomic growth and development.
He said: “We have begun massive roads grading and rehabilitation across the 30 Local Government Areas including Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils and Administrative Offices in Osun State. This is in line with our resolve to bring grassroots’ development to the doorsteps of our people, expose our communities and rural centres to commercial and industrial opportunities through passable roads.
“The grading of 1,050km with 35km each in every Council is a well- thought out and decisive move to strengthen the transportation system at the grassroots, and it is our collective belief that the ongoing roads grading exercise will enhance safety, increase accessibility and advance socioeconomic activities in our rural and communities in the state.
“We firmly believe that the exercise will in no measure support our farmers in transporting farm produce to the markets which in turn, will enhance the production capacity and as well ease the transportation system in the state.
“This is in fulfilment of our commitment to turn around the socioeconomic fortunes at the grassroots as we begin to unveil different people-focused and masses-driven developmental projects.”
However, residents have reacted to the development differently since the commencement of the exercise.
While some residents praised the APC council chairmen, others expressed a different opinion, describing the project as a misplaced priority.
Those who supported the development said the grading will ensure easy access for rural dwellers and open up roads for economic activities.
Speaking with Osun Defender, a resident of Ayekale, Olorunda Local Government, Olaide Abayomi said, “The Local Government being the closest to the people at the grassroots should often do these kinds of things. We are grateful for the grading of the roads in our community.”
However, some residents said the road grading being carried out during the rainy season would only inflict hardship on the people, noting that accessing the roads may be difficult for both motorists and pedestrians especially whenever it rains.
“Grading of the road during raining season is totally nonsense and it will damage the road. Why didn’t the local government chairmen grade the roads during the dry season. Why wait till now when the rains have begun?,” Victor Samuel, a resident of Arulogun community in Ede South said while speaking with Osun Defender.
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
