Why Ondo adopted stone dust for road construction — Aiyedatiwa’s Aide

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, has explained that the state government adopted stone dust for road construction after laboratory tests revealed that the sharp sand available locally contains high clay content, which weakens cement strength.

Speaking in an interview with Weekend Hope in Akure, Olawoye commended Governor Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the state.

He stated that the sharp sand currently sourced from Ogbese is not river sand and when tested in the laboratory, was found to have very high clay content, reducing the strength of cement and concrete.

“The ministry obtained samples of stone dust, mixed them with aggregates and subjected them to what we call a ‘cook test’, which produced the required strength,” he said.

Olawoye added that the results of the test led to the directive that all contractors handling road projects in the state must use stone dust instead of sharp sand.

He noted that the decision forms part of broader efforts to tackle serious infrastructural deficits and years of neglect, with minimal work carried out over the past decade.

The commissioner appealed to residents to take responsibility for maintaining newly rehabilitated and constructed roads.

He warned that many hydraulic structures could soon be compromised by erosion if harmful practices persist, particularly the dumping of refuse into drainage channels during the rainy season.

He urged residents to protect hydraulic structures by avoiding dumping refuse, stop burning tyres on pavements, refrain from pouring tomato water on road surfaces.

He urged residents to give their unwavering support to the governor as he continues to deliver the dividends of democracy across the state.