Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has opened up right hand side of the newly reconstructed Olodo bridge for residents and motorists.
The Commissioner for Works, Professor Daud Sangodoyin, who represented the governor on Saturday, May 18, declared the bridge open for motorists.
Recall that the Olodo bridge was washed away in 2023 after a heavy rainfall leaving the road impassable for both residents and motorists. The governor however, created a tentative road for residents of the area while the reconstruction of the bridge commenced in last year.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, the Commissioner said the need for the construction of 35.6km Iwo road – Olodo bank – Elesingodogbo–Odo-Oba (Oyo/Osun State boundary) was borne out of the passion of the current administration’s commitment to improve on road infrastructure in the state.
He added that Oyo State will also concentrate energy on projects with potentials for expansion of the economy of the State while engineering a modern Oyo State.
“The major features of the bridge being opened today among other works are piling works, construction of central piers, precast beams and slab, return/retaining wall, deck, parapet wall, approach slab and median.
“The pavement at the approaches of the bridge is made up of 200mm thick lateritic sub-base, 200mm thick stone base, 50mm asphaltic bindr
COurse and 40mm asphaltic concrete wearing course.
“The surfacing is completed with road lane marking the successful completion of the first half of the bridge which will enhance movement of people, vehicles, goods and services and also serves as a link connecting Osun state.
“The economic importance of this 35.6km stretch road which links Oyo State to Osun State cannot be overemphasized. The road was awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited in September, 2022.
“The rehabilitation aspect of the road project involving the repairs of existing hydraulic structure and overlaying of the asphaltic surface had commenced in earnest after the award of the road project and is still on-going.
“However, the heavy rainfall of July 4th, 2023 in which Egberi river overflew its banks at Olodo area due to the inadequacy of the existing 3.0mx 3.0m single box culvert rendered the road impassable.
“The anguish and economic losses that the state and her citizenry incurred in the wake of the flooding were better imagined than experienced.
The Commissioner also commended Governor Makinde for the immediate award of a 2-20m span bridge across the Egberi river to relief the existing 3m x 3m box culvert.
“The Contractor has been up and doing since the flooding incident of July, 2023 and had completed a wing of the dual carriageway bridge which we have gathered here to open today.
“It is with fulfillment and joy that I welcome you to the event of today which is a further demonstration of this administration’s commitment to the delivery of dividend of democracy to all the nooks and crannies of the state without regard to the political inclination, reliaious affiliation or socio-economic group of our people.
Earlier, the contractor handling the project, Engr. Adeleke Olanrewaju of Peculiar ultimate Concern Ltd. assured that the volume of work completed is 50 percent assuring that the full completion is expected on or before December, 2024.
Some of the home and business owners at the event who spoke include Mr Issah Abdulfatai, Mrs. Felicia Oyelakin, and Olajire Oluwatosin.
They showered praises on governor Makinde for coming to their rescue after many years of neglect from past administrations.
Chairman of Olodo Baale Quarters, Adediji Adebayo John, who spoke on behalf of all the residents in the area lauded Governor Makinde for the speedy completion of part of the project while appealing for same pace in the full completion as promised lamenting how criminal elements have taken advantage of their plights to torment residents in the area.