The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced safety interventions along the Owo–Ikare–Arigidi–Ekiti State border road in Ondo State, targeting vegetation, blocked drainage channels and other maintenance concerns.

The intervention is being implemented under FERMA’s Routine and Preventive Maintenance Works Programme and covers the section of the highway between Chainage 4+000 and 32+000. Workers are also removing refuse dumped along the road shoulders.

Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing work, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Ondo State Field Office, Kenneth Yanum, said the exercise was aimed at protecting federal road infrastructure, improving motorists’ visibility and enhancing safety along the corridor.

Yanum said about 50 people from communities along the route had been engaged for the one-month maintenance programme, adding that the exercise was part of FERMA’s mandate to preserve federal road assets.

He explained that overgrown vegetation could obstruct drivers’ visibility, particularly when overtaking or trying to identify approaching vehicles, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

The engineer added that desilting the drainage channels would help prevent water from accumulating on the road and causing damage to the pavement.

Yanum appealed to motorists and residents to protect the road infrastructure and report damaged sections of the highway to enable the agency to respond promptly.

Some road users welcomed the intervention but called for additional work on potholes and other deteriorated sections of the highway.

Oluyede Femi Emmanuel said the road had recorded accidents in the past and required further attention, including widening and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Another road user, Kutelu Olumide, acknowledged the filling of some potholes but said there was still room for improvement.

Olaoba Ado also described the road as being in poor condition while commending the ongoing patching, vegetation clearing and drainage desilting.

Ado said clearing the vegetation could contribute to security along the route by reducing areas that could be used as hiding places by criminals.

Other motorists said the intervention had improved visibility, reduced concerns about potential hiding spots and created a greater sense of safety for road users.

FERMA said the maintenance activities would continue as part of efforts to preserve the highway and improve safety for motorists and communities along the corridor.