The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has committed to addressing the deteriorated sections of federal roads in Rivers State. Engr. Adoga Asikhia, the engineer in charge of FERMA’s Rivers State Field Office, highlighted the agency’s dedication during an inspection of ongoing road maintenance on the new airport link road in the Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre local government areas.
Asikhia emphasized, “Our major focus is the systematic recovery of the roads by patching the potholes and reinstating failed sections. Later on, we’ll embark on pavement strengthening of the roads, vegetation control, and desilting of carriageways and shoulders.”
He explained that the agency aims to sustain the project, which began last year, to ensure that the roads remain in good condition. Asikhia also cautioned motorists to avoid bad driving habits and adhere to safety rules to prevent accidents. “This is definitely a continuous process. We started this thing last year. So the agency is truly working to ensure that the road, this particular road, at all times is in good riding condition for motorists,” he noted.
Asikhia further advised, “We want to advise motorists that the speed limit which the road safety has encouraged everybody to use, should be maintained because this is not a major highway, that the speed should be cut down. Just this morning, an accident and a car overturned because of high speed and we have lots of bends around here. So we’re hoping that the motorists will exercise caution in seeing that whenever they are using the road, they ensure that their speed limit goes according to what is prescribed on the roads.”
Regarding funding, Asikhia acknowledged that it remains a general problem in the country but assured that FERMA’s management ensures funds are available for the field office to carry out maintenance tasks. However, he decried the inadequate drainage systems on the roads, which he identified as a significant cause of road failures and a major challenge affecting the project.
“The poor drainage condition of the road has affected it. The way the road is designed, there was no provision for drainages, so water does not find easy access, so the water now ponds on the roads, thereby resulting in the failure of the roads,” Asikhia explained.
He called on the state government to address the drainage issue, saying, “We pray that the state will look into going into drainage facilities, providing drainage infrastructures on this road because it’s going to be an extensive work. I don’t really know why no drainage was provided in the first place. Not that there are no drainages, it’s just that it is not properly done to adequately cater to the flow of water on the road. There are drainages, but it’s inadequate to cater for the road.”
FERMA’s project in Rivers State includes the Port Harcourt-Isiokpo-Elele-Omerelu-Imo State border road and the Airport link road. The agency’s initiative is part of a broader effort to improve road conditions and enhance the safety and reliability of transportation infrastructure in the region.
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency’s proactive steps reflect its commitment to addressing the pressing issues affecting federal roads in Rivers State. Through ongoing maintenance and strategic interventions, FERMA aims to ensure that these vital roadways remain functional and safe for motorists, despite challenges such as inadequate drainage and funding constraints. The agency’s efforts highlight the importance of infrastructure maintenance in promoting economic stability and public safety.
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