The State of Osun recently witnessed the official take-off of the redevelopment of the old Gbongan-Akoda Road to a new 30km superhighway and the construction of a trumpet interchange bridge at the inter-section of the road with the Ibadan-Ife Expressway.
The superhighway called Omoluabi Motorway and the Interchange fly-over is named after Chief Adebisi Akande, who was governor between 1999 and 2003. The two projects when completed will also improve the safety and comfort of both motorists and pedestrians.
The project is another significant step in the journey towards a more prosperous socio-economic living for the people of the State of Osun.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola during the ceremony said, “while Good roads are critical to the modern state. Physical transportation of human and materials is primarily by road here, although we are also exploring and investing in other avenues like the rails. Bad roads regrettably are responsible for a lot of road accidents that claim lives and leave hitherto able-bodied individuals permanently incapacitated, an avoidable depletion of our valuable human resources. Bad roads also have health cost, besides the possibility of road accidents. People are loath to travel on bad roads because of the possible challenge to their health after the trip. Good roads on the other hand will enhance economic and social activities, bring down the cost of goods and services and reduce wear and tear on vehicles. Bad roads make our cities and the environment look ugly while good roads on the other hand improve the aesthetics of our cities, towns and villages.
Our assault on bad roads therefore is massive. At the state level, work is ongoing at different road projects and at varying stages of completion.
“These are: rehabilitation of 21 Osogbo township roads, rehabilitation of 15 Ilesa township roads, rehabilitation of 14 Ede township roads by direct labour, 20 intercity roads totaling 319 kilometres, 13 intra-city roads totaling 79.46 kilometres, rehabilitation of select roads in six zones totaling 74.1 kilometres, eight roads inherited from past administration totaling 144.29 kilometres, dualisation of Osogbo-Kwara boundary road totaling 43.37 kilometres and dualisation of Gbongan-Orileowu-Ijebu Igbo Road.”
