OSOPADEC Sets December Deadline for Aboto-Atijere Road, Warns Contractor Against Delay
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has set a firm December deadline for the completion and opening of the Aboto-Atijere road, warning the contractor handling the project that there would be no room for excuses or further delays.
The Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, issued the directive on Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing project, saying Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa had given a clear instruction that the road must be delivered before December.
Poroye said the project had reached a critical stage, with earthworks advancing towards Atijere and other construction activities progressing despite the rainy season.
“On this particular road, the Governor has given what I would call an executive order to ensure that we deliver it before December,” he said.
The OSOPADEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, commending the contractor for maintaining its presence at the project site and adhering to its commitments.
“So far, the contractor has done well and has made us proud by keeping to its word,” he said.
Poroye also praised residents and youths in communities along the route for supporting the project and monitoring its progress.
He urged members of the public, including social critics, to visit project sites and assess government projects physically rather than relying solely on social media commentaries.
“This is not a road where you can tell lies. I have seen social critics on social media visiting the project site on their own. That is actually the best way society can be developed,” he said.
According to him, the Aboto-Atijere road is a major economic and connectivity corridor for the oil-producing areas, as it would improve movement and provide a more efficient link between the area and neighbouring Ogun State.
“The road is very important to the mandate area. It connects us to our sister state, Ogun State, and significantly shortens the journey,” Poroye said.
He further noted that the Federal Government’s ongoing coastal road project from Lagos would enhance the economic potential of the corridor when completed.
“With the coastal road being undertaken by the Federal Government from Lagos, this is going to become a very enterprising corridor and environment for everyone to enjoy,” he added.
Poroye also dismissed the rainy season as a reason for slowing down construction, stressing that modern construction technology had made it possible to sustain work during adverse weather conditions.
“Even though it is the rainy season, the contractor has not stopped work because technology has advanced beyond the level where contractors use the weather as an excuse,” he said.
The Executive Director, Projects, OSOPADEC, Dr. Olujimi Kufo, said the inspection team reached kilometre 16 of the project, describing the section as one of the critical points on the road.
Kufo said the contractor had remained on course with the approved work programme, with particular attention being paid to culverts considered essential to the durability of the road.
“We are impressed with the performance of the contractor so far. They are working in line with the programme we have put in place, and we are confident that, in accordance with the directive of the Executive Governor, this project will be completed before December and ready for commissioning,” he said.
The project consultant, Engineer Joseph Odunayo, said earthworks had substantially progressed towards Atijere township, while stone-base laying had advanced beyond kilometre 14.
He explained that the remaining sections would subsequently be prepared for asphalt surfacing.
“With the help of God, by December or on or before December, it will be connected fully,” Odunayo said.
Also speaking, the Director, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, OSOPADEC, Engineer Dipo Aluko, expressed confidence that the December target remained achievable.
Aluko described the progress recorded on the project as “very enviable”, noting that earthworks had reached Atijere while work was progressing simultaneously on the remaining culverts.
He identified three critical culverts at kilometres 16, 22 and 23, saying separate work gangs had been deployed to execute the structures simultaneously.
According to him, stone-base laying had crossed kilometre 14, while the contractor had deployed adequate manpower, equipment and materials to meet the December deadline.
Meanwhile, a native of Akata town in Ilaje Local Government Area, Olorunwa Akinyemi, appealed to OSOPADEC to complement the road project with the construction of a small overhead stone jetty to protect residents from dangerous water waves.
Akinyemi, who disclosed that he had worked with the construction company for about four months, commended OSOPADEC and the Ondo State Government for addressing the development needs of residents of Akata and Atijere communities.
