By Ayodele Abere
The Engineer for Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in Ekiti State, Engr. Simon Adeniran Adeniyi, has pleaded with the residents of the State to be patient with the Federal Government on the deplorable conditions of some of the Federal Roads in the State.
Engr. Simon Adeniyi made the plea while speaking with some journalists in his office in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.
Giving an assurance that something tangible would be done about the poor state of the Federal Roads in Ekiti, he explained that nothing much could be done at the moment because of the rain. Stressing that most of the roads have been awarded before the rainy season began. Adding that the slight delay being experienced in roads maintenance was as a result of the measures needed to be put in place.
Engr. Simon Adeniyi remarked that government is working tirelessly to ensure that the federal roads are fixed. However, he maintained that the current weather condition has been the major issue.
His word, “the Federal Government is doing all things possible towards maintaining the Federal Government roads, making the roads motorable for the road users.
Clarifying the major task of FERMA, the Engineer said FERMA is meant to maintain roads. While the Federal Ministry of Works carries out construction and major rehabilitation.
Engr. Adeniyi maintained that FERMA is currently handicapped to do anything meaningful because of the rainy season and paucity of funds.
“As we know, road construction and rainy season are not friends. It is impossible to do anything meaningful during this season. Otherwise, it would collapse”,
Nevertheless, the;State FERMA Engineer pointed out that some roads have been awarded to the contractors by the federal ministry of Works.
“To avoid duplication of contract, whereever the Federal Ministry of Works is working, it’s a no-go-area for FERMA”, Engr. Adeniyi stated.
