The Urgent Need for Improved Road Infrastructure in Ondo West

– Eloho Yvonne Ibiyinka-Akinsulire & Opeyemi Ifedayo Jimoh

Introduction

Ondo West, a region embracing both urban and rural settlements in Ondo State, grapples with a critical issue that significantly impacts the daily lives of its residents—the lack of good, accessible roads. The existing road network, plagued by deplorable conditions and insufficient linkages, has given rise to a host of challenges affecting transportation costs, road safety, agriculture, and healthcare.

Body

The current state of roads in Ondo West has led to a surge in transportation expenses, transforming what should be a straightforward commute from rural to urban areas into a financial burden for residents. The standard cost of five hundred naira (#500.00) has skyrocketed to an alarming three to four thousand naira (#3000.00-#4000.00), causing substantial stress on the already financially constrained populace.

Agriculture, a vital sector in Ondo West, faces severe consequences due to the inadequate road infrastructure. The transportation of farm produce from rural to urban areas has become a daunting task, resulting in scarcity and increased prices of essential food commodities. The lack of modern preservation methods in rural communities further exacerbates the problem, leading to the spoilage of farm produce and impacting both farmers and consumers.

The deficient road network also poses challenges in the healthcare sector. Victims of road accidents seeking treatment at the trauma center of Unimed Teaching Hospital Ondo are burdened with hefty upfront payments before commencing treatment. The urgency of addressing the road conditions becomes evident as both the physical and financial well-being of residents are at stake.

Call to Action

While major roads like Ademulegun Road, Esso/Surulere/Yaba, Ondo-Ife Road, and Ondo-Ore road provide relatively better routes, numerous link roads within the city remain in poor condition. This contributes to severe traffic congestion during weekdays, adding another layer of stress to the daily lives of residents.

It is imperative for both state and local authorities to prioritize road infrastructure development in the region. This involves repairing existing roads, constructing new ones, and implementing measures to alleviate transportation costs, ensuring the well-being of the community.

Conclusions

The lack of good, accessible roads in Ondo West is not just a matter of inconvenience; it’s a pressing issue that affects the economic, agricultural, and healthcare aspects of the community. Urgent intervention is needed to transform the current road landscape, providing relief to the residents and fostering overall development in the region. By addressing these road woes, we pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Ondo West.

Eloho Yvonne Ibiyinka-Akinsulire & Opeyemi Ifedayo Jimoh are  #OOTC Champions working on EiE’s #myLGA project in Ondo west, Ondo State.