Oyo State Bridge Collapse Strands Residents, Urgent Call for Governor Makinde’s Intervention
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on February 23, 2024
Motorists and residents in the Olodo community of Egbeda Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, found themselves in dire straits on Thursday as they grappled with the aftermath of a devastating flood that washed away a vital bridge. Now, they are appealing to Governor Seyi Makinde for immediate intervention to address the resulting challenges.
Despite the state government’s efforts to reconstruct the Ibadan-Iwo Road, including the bridge, which is a federal road, the collapse of the only alternative route has left commuters and residents stranded. The contractor tasked with the bridge’s reconstruction had assured completion of the first phase by early this year.
The gravity of the situation became apparent when torrential rains early on Thursday caused the collapse of the alternative bridge, severing the crucial link between Ibadan and Iwo in Osun State. Consequently, hundreds of commuters, travellers, and residents were left stranded, with heavy traffic worsening the situation.
Expressing their plight, motorists and residents urged Governor Makinde to take swift action in addressing the crisis. Kazeem Alabi, a student at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, lamented, “I can only appeal to the governor to help us talk to the contractor for speedy completion of the road. The alternative bridge was flooded. I cannot access it, and I’ve spent almost one hour here.”
Similarly, commercial driver Abasi Olayemi emphasized the urgency, stating, “We experienced a similar situation last year, and the rain had just started. We are appealing to both the governor and contractor to assist complete the road in time.”
The impact of the bridge collapse extended beyond inconvenience, as resident Lekan Anjorin recounted, “I was to join my colleagues at somewhere around Gbagi for a business trip to Abuja but I have missed now. I will go back home and sleep.”
The plea for swift government intervention shows the pressing need to restore essential infrastructure and alleviate the hardships faced by affected communities.
Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
