The Chief Executive Director, CEO Ilaji Hotels & Sports, Chief(Engr) Dotun Sanusi has implored the new contractor, Engr Ogunjimi handling Olorunsogo-Akanran road in OnaAra Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State to ensure timely and good delivery of the project.
While speaking the minds of all stakeholders in attendance, Chief Sanusi called on the contractor to rehabilitate the alternate roads of Seriki-Olorunsogo, Babanla-Oritamerin, and the pedestrian bridge at the site so as to ease the people’s burden.
Adding that the dilapidated road has no doubt crippled the economy of the area and which its adverse effect was said to be affecting the residents’ cost of living.
Also, the state Co-ordinator, Oyo State URBAN FLOOD MANAGEMENT, Engr. Olasunkanmi Sokeye appealed to the residents of the affected local government to disregard the purported rumours of collapsing the popular “Ariyo” Bridge in the area .
Co-ordinator stated this during a courtesy visit to the area that was aimed at clearing air on the bridge’s disconnection which he reiterated has no element of truth.
Adding that, the meeting was also at the instance of acquainting the residents with the decision of the state government over the effort to ensure the fuller water way construction.
He stressed that the rumoured bridge’s disconnection will not be effected until after the ongoing construction of bridge at Ogbere-Tioya, Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to him, “I can assure you that Ariyo bridge will not be disconnected as long as bridge at Ogbere-Tioya is undergoing construction”
“Let me add that whatever you hear from me, has the authority of the present administration in Oyo state, Seyi Makinde”
” Really, it is believed we have offended you, but you must understand us. The chinese contractors on Ogbere-Tioya really disappointed us despite we hugely paid them, even in dollars as at October 8th ,2020. few months later, there were complaints from the contractors that the worsening economy affected them, while more funds
were demanded.
” We were eventually sued to court for total payment to the contractors; we must inform you that only this year July ending some of our solicitors returned to the state”
Olasunkanmi assured of concentrating on building the “Ariyo” Bridge , thus a new contractor was announced as a replacement for the earlier Chinese Contractors whose work was terminated by the state government.
Affirming that, Saki-Born Engineer, Engr. Ogunjimi Of Lopek Construction has taken over the abandoned Ogbere-Tioya bridge and others, having succeeded over elere, abonde bridges with its official work site to open from the first week in september.
The newly declared contractor, Engr. Ogunjimi gave assurance that the construction would be completed by November ending as he laid emphasis on belief that the work is urgently needed for delivery
“Hopefully, by November ending, we shall have successfully delivered the awarded bridges with good standard, especially if we are not affected the rains”, he assured.
The Co-ordinator, Ibadan Flood Management, Engr. Olasunkanmi called for public belief in the government as funds have been disbursed for the projects by the Ministry of Finance as approved by the state governor.
Similarly, a popular broadcast journalist in Oyo state, Alhaji Abolade Salami appreciated the brilliant efforts of the state government against granting permission for “ARIYO” bridge’s disconnection by the earlier contractor, yet called on the residents for more co-operation with the authorities in the area.
While speaking, the Chairman, Ona-Ara Local Government Council, Hon. Musibau Sanusi(Shabba) appreciated the entire people of the local government for their usual resilience and trust in the present administration in the state, adding that, needed infrastructure in the area will be a priority by his administration in the area .
However, he urged the residents for more support as efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy are in top gear, reiterating that rehabilitation will soon commence on five roads which include Jegede, Oremeji-Idiobi, Oritamerin-Gbaremu and Ajao Memorial Hospital roads, as all are in conjunction with Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency.
The town hall meeting was hosted by the management of Ilaji Hotels and Resort owned by an Ibadan Business magnate, Dr Dotun Sanusi, while dignitaries at the event included the Chairman, Ona-Ara Local Government, Musibau Sanusi, officials from the related government ministries and agencies, the representatives of CDC, PCRC, hoteliers, petrol dealers, MOCDECOM, Vigilante, Market men & women, OnaAra Youths, functionaries of government in the council, traditional rulers led Oniladuntan, Oba Kamorudeen Adebowale and host of others.
