The Oyo State government has opened a part of the reconstructed Olodo bridge to ease the movement of people and vehicles on the route, as earlier promised.
Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State represented by the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, opened the completed right side of the bridge, which serves as a link to Osun State, on Saturday.
Recall that the completed half had been opened to pedestrians about two weeks ago, with the state government promising that the facility would be opened to vehicles in 14 days.
Declaring the bridge open to vehicular movement, Prof. Shangodoyin said the completion of the first half of the bridge is a further demonstration of governor Makinde’s commitment to the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
He said this was regardless of political inclination, religious affiliation or socio-economic status.
“The need for 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 to provide projects with potential for expansion of the economy and engineering a modern Oyo 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.
“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 3.0m x 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 successful completion of the first half of the bridge will enhance seamless movement of people, vehicles, goods and services and also serves as a link connecting Osun State.
Earlier, the representative of Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited, Engr. Adeleke Olanrewaju, thanked the residents of Olodo area for their patience and cooperation, explaining that the completed bridge was made up of three lanes to ease movement of vehicles.
Adeleke appealed to the residents and road users to always obey the traffic management guidelines put in place to avoid traffic congestion on the bridge.
Speaking with newsmen, some residents of Olodo Bank Area, including the chairman, Olodo Baale Quarters, Mrs Felicia Oyelakin and Alhaji Afolayan Sikiru, appreciated Governor Makinde for the quick intervention.
They also expressed great relief on the opening of the first section of the bridge to pedestrian and vehicular movements.
