The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, in Ekiti State has outlined the key challenges affecting the maintenance of federal roads in the region. Engr. Simon Adeniran Adeniyi, the Director of FERMA in Ekiti State, identified the rainy season as a significant obstacle, limiting the agency’s ability to undertake substantial work on the roads.
FERMA’s primary role is to maintain existing roads, while the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for reconstruction and major rehabilitation projects. Adeniyi assured citizens that the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to address the road maintenance issues, despite the weather-related challenges. Several federal roads in Ekiti State are currently under construction or rehabilitation, including the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road, Ado-Ikere-Akure road, and Ifaki-Ikole-Omuo road.
The FERMA Director urged citizens to exercise patience, as work on the roads will resume after the rainy season. Additionally, Adeniyi highlighted funding as a major issue, with contractors facing difficulties in accessing funds, which is hindering project progress. He explained that FERMA’s payment policy requires contractors to complete their work before receiving payment, and the agency is working to ensure that the roads are properly maintained.
The current state of federal roads in Ekiti State has been a subject of concern for citizens, who have been experiencing difficulties due to the poor road conditions. The Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the issue is expected to bring relief to residents, who can look forward to improved infrastructure and enhanced transportation. With the government’s efforts to fix the roads, Ekiti State is poised to benefit from better connectivity and economic growth.
The maintenance of federal roads is a critical aspect of Nigeria’s infrastructure development, and the challenges faced by FERMA in Ekiti State are not unique to the region. The agency’s efforts to address the issues, despite the challenges, demonstrate the government’s commitment to providing quality infrastructure for its citizens. As the rainy season subsides, residents of Ekiti State can expect to see progress on the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, which will ultimately improve their overall quality of life.
