The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced the second phase of its road maintenance programme in Ebonyi State, with 50 residents expected to benefit from its empowerment initiative.
The FERMA Engineer in the state, Akinyeni Ojo, disclosed this on Thursday during the flag-off ceremony in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Ojo described the initiative as one of the agency’s programmes designed to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through improved road infrastructure and poverty alleviation.
He explained that the programme, known as the Preventive Maintenance Work Programme, was being implemented through the agency’s Public Works Unit to improve the condition and lifespan of federal roads.
According to him, the exercise involves vegetation control along federal highways, desilting of drainage channels and patching of dangerous potholes.
He said the intervention would reduce travel time, improve motorists’ visibility, enhance security and minimize flooding by ensuring proper drainage.
Ojo added that the agency would engage and empower 50 residents for one month during the second phase, following a similar intervention in which another 50 people benefited about two months ago.
He noted that the temporary employment opportunity would provide financial support to beneficiaries while contributing to the maintenance of federal highways.
”The programme will help alleviate hunger and poverty in the land, which is one of the key objectives of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.