The Ogun State government, on Friday, said it is already working on the rehabilitation of the Agbado-Oke Aro-Akute road, responding to a video where 500 pastors urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfil his re-election promise regarding the road.
According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, the government reaffirmed its commitment to road construction, highlighting the completion of over 600 kilometres of roads since assuming office in 2019.
The statement noted that half of the Alagbole-Sango Ota road had been completed, with plans for the remaining section included in this year’s budget. Delays in project execution were attributed to budgetary constraints and increased construction material costs, which the government assured were being addressed.
Furthermore, the government encouraged residents to meet their tax obligations and support the administration in delivering democratic dividends.
Akinsanya said: “With respect to completing the project to relieve the pains of our people and infuse a new lease of life into the area, we are on the same page with the clerics captured in the video demanding action on the road.
“It is the constitutional responsibility of the government to provide good roads for the people of Ogun State, and it is a fact that the Ogun State government under Prince Dapo Abiodun has invested heavily in roads.
“This particular road, Alagbole to Sango Ota, is about 32 km, and the government has already done 16 km out of it. More importantly, it is also captured in the 2024 budget.
“However, the budgetary provision based on the reality on the ground, particularly in relation to forex, is inadequate. The cost of asphalt, granite, and other materials has spiked, and so the government is looking for a way of bridging the cost gap. As we all know, a project initially billed to cost N1bn may cost more than double nowadays. Therefore, it requires a lot of reengineering.
“Rather than engage in subtle blackmail and character assassination, what we need are concerted efforts to put the economy back on track.
“The citizenry must also support the government to get out of the economic quagmire by paying their taxes.
“Statistics show that most residents of the area are not captured in the tax net. They should support the government by paying their taxes when due to help them better.”
