RE: HEAVY RAINS EXPOSE WEAKNESSES IN NEARLY FINISHED EKITI ROAD
The attention of the Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has been drawn to a publication by an online news platform alleging that Tuesday's heavy rainfall exposed weaknesses on the Ido–Ipere–Iludun Road, a newly completed road project being executed by the Ekiti State Government through RAAMP.
2. We wish to clarify that while the report of flooding and temporary disruption of traffic flow on the road was correct, the suggestion that the incident resulted from poor workmanship or deficiencies in the road's structural integrity was misleading.
3. Since construction commenced in April 2025, there has been no recorded flooding along the road corridor except at the Ero Bridge, which was subsequently replaced with a larger structure to accommodate the volume and flow of water in the area; demonstrating the project's responsiveness to the hydrological conditions of the corridor.
4. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier issued forecasts and advisories warning of heavy rainfall across several states, with the possibility of increased surface runoff and flash flooding. In response to the growing impact of extreme weather events, the Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has commenced the dredging and clearing of water channels across the state to improve drainage and mitigate flooding.
5. Following the report of the flooding, a technical team led by the State Project Coordinator of Ekiti RAAMP, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, inspected the road on Wednesday on the directive of Governor Oyebanji. The inspection established that the flooding was primarily caused by the accumulation of surface runoff from nearby rivers, compounded by sedimentation in downstream water-discharge channels. This obstruction restricted the free flow of water, creating a backwater effect that temporarily inundated portions of the road.
6. The team further confirmed that the three major culverts constructed along the corridor are structurally sound, with satisfactory inlet conditions and unobstructed upstream water flow. However, accumulated sediment has constricted the downstream waterways limiting water discharge. The ongoing dredging and clearing of water channels by the state government is expected to improve water flow and address the identified drainage constraints along the corridor.
7. RAAMP therefore reassures the people of Ido, Ipere, and Iludun, as well as commuters and other road users, of the structural integrity of the road constructed by Messrs Syriton Nigeria Ltd. The project remains subject to appropriate technical interventions to ensure that it serves its intended purpose, particularly in the face of extreme rainfall and increased surface runoff.
8. We urge members of the public and the media to seek clarification from relevant authorities before drawing conclusions on technical matters concerning public infrastructure.
9. The Ekiti State Government and Ekiti RAAMP remain committed to delivering durable rural infrastructure that will improve connectivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, stimulate economic activities, and enhance the quality of life of residents across the state.
Signed:
O'Seun Ogunsakin
Development Communication Officer,
Ekiti State Rural Access and
Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP)
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