The Oyo State Government on Tuesday assured residents of Olodo and its environs that it will replace the Culvert under construction with a 2-span Bridge, to mitigate against flood recurrence in the area.

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Rotimi Babalola said this in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Recall that, following the heavy downpour experienced in the State, last week, the Culvert on the road was washed away.

Assuring residents of Olodo road and its environs, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Engineer Tajudeen Raji, said that a proactive measure to replace the Culvert under construction is underway.

Speaking during an inspection of the site of the flood, the Permanent Secretary, said the culvert was not adequate to accommodate the volume of water arising from the heavy rain.

He added that the additional 6x4 Culvert under construction has not been channeled yet thereby causing flooding in the adjoining areas. 

Hence, he said the Oyo State government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has decided to replace the Culvert with a 2-span Bridge.

He said, “On Tuesday, last week, there was a heavy downpour that resulted in serious flooding of this area. The existing Culvert and the additional Culvert under construction could not accommodate the volume of water, so, as a result, there was a spillover that affected the free flow of traffic. This is what necessitated the plan to replace the existing Culvert to a 2-span Bridge so that the subsequent heavy rainfall could be contained and undesirable flooding will be averted”.

“Now, we have paid an on-the-spot assessment to the site of the bridge in order to have a proper assessment of the situation on ground. In the course of our assessment we discovered that it is better that we have a 2-span bridge which is about 30 meters, that is 15 meters each. With the two openings from every 15meters, the water will be able to flow freely no matter the volume of water and by implication prevent the flooding of the area.”

“The contractor handling the project is aware of the complaints from the residents and he has assured that everything will be done to accelerate the construction work. I can assure the community and all road users that there will be significant improvement in the speed of the construction works in order to ensure timely completion of the project.”

“Besides, we are in the rainy season. It is expected that the rain is bound to have a draw down on the speed of the construction work. Notwithstanding, the contractor has promised to expedite action on the work, and that the construction works shall be completed at the soonest possible time.”  

While Engineer Raji appealed to the residents to bear with the Oyo State Government, he reassured them that a proactive action has been taken to prevent a recurrence in the future.

He also assured them that Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde is committed to the welfare, economic rejuvenation of the citizens of the state. 

Raji stressed that the Oyo State Government is poised to expedite action on the construction works in order to facilitate timely completion of the project.

Speaking earlier, the Project Manager, Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited, Mr. Eleta Israel, explained that with the new approval to replace the Culvert to a Bridge, the project will be ready soon. 

He said that a palliative measure has been put in place to ease traffic in terms of filling the potholes and the expansion of the construction area.