Oyo Government Inaugurates Committee to Redress Road Project Grievances

The Oyo State Government has, through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), inaugurated a Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) to manage potential disputes arising from upcoming rural road construction projects.

At the inauguration of the committee in Oluyole Local Government Area, the Director-General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr Debo Akande, emphasised the importance of adhering to the committee’s terms of reference to ensure smooth project implementation.

He said the meeting was geared towards engaging stakeholders on disclosure of sites, with a view to getting citizens’ buy-in for maintenance of rural roads. He noted that the GRC will enhance co-existence between the contractors and the beneficiary communities as part of the prerequisites of the RAAMP.

Akande, urged the stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free exercise during and after the construction.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his readiness to transform the rural landscape of the state into a thriving agro-driven economy.

While inaugurating the Grievance Redress Committee, the Oyo State Project Coordinator, RAAMP, Engr Adeola Ekundayo, said the committee’s primary responsibility is to address grievances from affected communities, particularly farmers whose lands might be impacted by construction, amongst others.

Ekundayo called for fair handling of all complaints, urging contractors to engage indigent workers within the communities to boost the economy of the state.

Maximum security 

In his address of welcome, the Chairman, Oluyole Local Government Area, Engr Akeem Olatunji, assured maximum security during and after the exercise.

He affirmed that his administration will continue to strive for the development of the council.

He thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising food security by supporting RAAMP to strive for the level of construction in the state, which Oluyole Local Government Area is one of the beneficiaries.

The GRC, consisting youth representatives, women and community leaders in all the phase 1 roads of about 68km across the state, will educate communities on construction processes, and rights-of-way to prevent misunderstandings.

Emmanuel Ukoh