By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo
Residents of Ondo City have commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his quick intervention in the ongoing construction of the Oke Odunwo bridge.
The bridge, located in Ondo West Local Government, had been in a dilapidated state for years, causing loss of lives and property.
In separate interviews with The Hope, residents appealed to the governor, through the Commissioner for Works, Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Olawoye, to closely monitor the project and ensure its timely completion.
A resident, Tolulope Akinmutimi, described the ongoing project as commendable and laudable but stressed the need for urgent completion due to its importance.
He said, “The bridge has cut off the main town from other communities within the city, and the construction is also causing serious traffic along Oke-Sabo Road because it is the only alternative access.
“The work started quite well some weeks ago, but after a while, it stopped. The engineers are no longer on site, and we don’t know what is happening. This is really affecting our businesses.
“We are appealing to the government to help finish the work on time, it is negatively affecting businesses.”
Another resident, Adewale Falade, said, “The reconstruction of the bridge is a big development, and we want to thank Mr Governor for it. At the same time, we are urging the workers to make it faster. Life is not easy for people living or doing business from Odojomu Garage to Oka. They should speed it up since there is no other road.”
According to Adekunle Adeyeye, “Good job, Mr Governor, but they should please work on the project fast. Delay, like what we are witnessing now, is dangerous for both businesses and human lives because this is a major road for residents.
“The engineers have left the project for weeks now. We are appealing to the government to instruct them to return to the site and finish the bridge on time. The bridge is important to every resident of the kingdom.”
The residents also urged Governor Aiyedatiwa, through the commissioner in charge, to ensure proper supervision of the contractor handling the project for timely and quality delivery.
Meanwhile, during a recent visit to the site, the member representing Ondo West Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, met with the contractor and inquired why work was not progressing actively.
“I was informed that blasting will commence immediately. According to the contractor, the construction phase will take between five to six weeks, after which the bridge will be left for 21 days to cure. They assured me of speedy progress and promised to keep me regularly updated.
“Following this, I placed a call to the Honourable Commissioner to commend his efforts, and he also assured me of timely updates on the project. I must once again commend the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his relentless commitment to making life easier for our people.
“The reconstruction of this bridge is not just about fixing infrastructure; it is about safeguarding lives and properties from possible disasters while also enhancing economic activities in our community. I am rest assured that the work will be delivered as promised.”