The report noted that poor road conditions have worsened transportation challenges, slowed economic activities, and increased the cost of moving goods and services within the area.
The report of a field visit by the Tracka team to the Owena–Alade–Idanre Road in Ondo State has again exposed the growing disconnect between public expenditure and the actual impact of government projects on citizens’ lives.
This is as the road remains abandoned despite significant funds released for its construction and rehabilitation.
Official records showed that ₦371.7 million was disbursed between April and November 2024 for the construction and rehabilitation of the road.
In addition, ₦33.2 million was paid in August 2024 for Production Engineering Design related to the project.
However, findings by Tracka, verified through the BudgIT Foundation’s GovSpend platform and physical project tracking, reveal that the road is still in a deplorable and near-impassable condition.
There was no evidence of meaningful construction activity, rehabilitation work, or contractor presence on site.
According to Tracka, what is captured in budget documents and payment records does not reflect the daily reality faced by residents and commuters who rely on the Owena–Alade–Idanre Road.
The continued neglect of the road has had severe consequences for communities along the corridor.
The report noted that poor road conditions have worsened transportation challenges, slowed economic activities, and increased the cost of moving goods and services within the area.
“Farmers, traders, students, and small business owners are forced to bear the burden of a project that exists largely on paper,” the report noted.
The report noted that more troubling is that residents have raised concerns over rising criminal activities along the axis, as the bad state of the road creates opportunities for attacks, robberies, and other security threats, further endangering lives and livelihoods.
The report described the situation as a typical example of how the Nigerian government continues to borrow funds in the name of infrastructure development, while resources meant for critical projects are allegedly mismanaged by politicians and contractors.
The organisation also expressed concern that the project repeatedly appears in the national budget as “ongoing” year after year, despite clear evidence that work has either not commenced or has completely stalled.
Reacting to the state of the road, a civic tech organisation, MonITNG, called for urgent transparency and accountability from relevant authorities.
“We call on the Federal Ministry of Works, as the implementing agency, to urgently provide the Nigerian public with clear, detailed, and transparent information on how the funds disbursed for this project were utilised,” MonITNG said.
“Nigerians deserve to know why substantial payments have been made while the road remains in shambles, and when the contractor will be fully mobilised to the site to deliver this project as promised.”
The organisation further urged anti-graft agencies to intervene.
“We also formally call on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the construction and rehabilitation of the Owena–Alade–Idanre Road, the role of the implementing agency, and the contractor, H.K Flamingo Consulting Ltd, for possible mismanagement and diversion of public funds,” MonITNG stated.
“Accountability is not optional. Public funds must translate to public value, and citizens must not continue to suffer because of corruption and impunity.”