FERMA to improve highway security, curb flooding in Ebonyi

…….Targets 50 residents for empowerment

…….Begins Fresh Road Maintenance

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced another phase of its preventive road maintenance programme in Ebonyi State, with plans to empower 50 residents as part of efforts to alleviate poverty and improve the condition of federal highways.

The Federal Road Maintenance Engineer of FERMA in Ebonyi State, Akinyeni Ojo, disclosed this on Thursday during the flag-off of the exercise in Abakaliki, the state capital.

Ojo described the initiative as one of the numerous programmes being implemented by the Managing Director of the agency in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that the programme, being implemented through FERMA’s Public Works Unit, was designed to improve the condition of federal roads, enhance motorists’ safety and extend the lifespan of road infrastructure across the country.

According to him, the preventive maintenance exercise involves vegetation control along federal highways, desilting of roadside drains and patching of dangerous potholes, among other interventions.

He noted that the activities would significantly improve road visibility, reduce the risk of accidents and discourage criminal activities along federal highways.

“The name of this particular programme is the Preventive Maintenance Work Programme, being powered by our Public Works Unit.

“It entails clearing of vegetation, vegetation control along federal highways, desilting of line drains and patching of dangerous potholes,” he said.

Ojo stressed that beyond improving road infrastructure, the programme was also intended to reduce travelling time for motorists and strengthen security along the affected highways.

He explained that uncontrolled vegetation along highways often provides hiding places for criminal elements, exposing motorists and other road users to potential attacks.

“When vegetation along the highways is controlled, motorists will have better visibility, and there will be no hiding places for hoodlums to attack them.

“This programme will also improve security and reduce the risks motorists face while travelling on our federal highways,” he added.

The FERMA official further explained that desilting roadside drains would improve water flow, reduce flooding and protect road infrastructure against premature deterioration, particularly during the rainy season.

He said the maintenance exercise would strengthen federal roads, improve their durability and increase their lifespan, thereby reducing the need for frequent rehabilitation.

On the socioeconomic benefits of the initiative, Ojo disclosed that the agency would engage and empower 50 indigenes of Ebonyi State for one month during the current phase of the programme.

He recalled that a similar number of residents benefited from the first phase of the exercise approximately two months ago, adding that the agency had sustained the intervention to create more opportunities for local residents.

“About two months ago, we empowered 50 people when we carried out the first phase of this programme. In this second phase, we are also empowering another 50 people.

“This will help alleviate hunger and poverty in the land, which is one of the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.

He maintained that FERMA remained committed to maintaining federal highways and delivering interventions that would improve road users’ experiences while providing economic opportunities for communities along the affected routes.

The initiative is expected to contribute to safer highways, improved transportation efficiency, reduced flooding and livelihood support for participating residents in Ebonyi State.