The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has inaugurated the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) to manage potential disputes arising from upcoming rural road construction projects.
The Director-general of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency OYSADA, Dr Debo Akande, spoke at the inauguration and 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-site disclosure and gaining citizens’ buy-in for maintaining rural roads.
Akande added that the GRC would enhance co-existence between the contractors and beneficiary communities as part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project RAAMP prerequisite.
Akande, however, urged the stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free exercise during and after the construction.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his readiness to transform the state’s rural landscape into a thriving agro-driven economy.
RAAMP’s coordinator, Engr Adeola Ekundayo, said the committee’s primary responsibility was to address grievances from affected communities, particularly farmers whose lands might be impacted by construction, to enhance hitch-free civil works.
Ekundayo called for the fair handling of all complaints and urged contractors to engage indigent workers within the communities to boost the economy.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Akeem Olatunji assured maximum security during and after the exercise, adding that his administration would continue to strive for the council’s development.
