The ongoing construction of ShopRite/Oda Road in Akure South Local Government Area is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Joseph Ayo Babalola, provided an update on the project during a recent inspection. He noted that the rising cost of construction materials has impacted the pace of the work, as the project must adapt to these changes.
Babalola emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa is dedicated to addressing the state’s infrastructure deficit and has approved road projects across the three senatorial districts to ensure that all communities benefit from state government initiatives.
“Oda Road is part of the projects inherited by this administration,” Babalola explained. “It starts as a dual carriageway from ShopRite, stretching 4km, and transitions to a single carriageway, 12.3 meters wide and 3.8km long, making the total length of the road 7.8km. Currently, nearly 1km of the single carriageway has been completed.”
He added that the contractor will intensify efforts to lay 2km of stone base and asphalt within the next eight weeks, aiming for the project’s completion in time for the governor’s commissioning.
Babalola addressed concerns about the increased cost of materials, noting that when the contract was awarded, the tonnage of reinforcement cost N420,000, but now stands at approximately N1.4 million. Despite these challenges, the contractor has remained on site and adjustments have been made as needed.
Engr. Funmilayo Oluwatayo, Director of Civil Engineering at the Ministry of Works, assured that the project’s quality is maintained despite the rising costs. “Contractors are adhering to the specifications and designs. Our quality control officers and resident engineers are consistently monitoring the project to ensure that the standards are met. The increase in material prices has not compromised the quality of the work.”
