The lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North state constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Wumi Oladeji has called for the reconstruction of Katangua Bridge in Ogbomoso area of the state.
Hon. Oladeji, while presenting the motion under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance at the plenary on Tuesday, said that the bridge which was constructed over 35 years ago linked the residents of Katangua with other parts of Ogbomoso and Jabata, as well as several other villages. She said that the bridge collapsed as a result of heavy downpour on Friday 14th October, 2022.
The lawmaker expressed further that the destruction of the bridge has affected the commercial activities, agricultural production and other social activities in the affected communities.
“Observe that as a result of the destruction of this bridge, the people of Katangua have been practically isolated from civilization, with commercial, educational, health, agricultural and other social activities have been totally paralysed.
“Further observes that unless something drastic and urgent is done to remedy the situation, any emergency (accident, fire, medical etc) God forbid- no matter how minute, may spell colossal disaster for residents of the isolated communities.”
Hon. Oladeji, while appreciating the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, urged the state government to order the reconstruction of the bridge.
“I want to thank the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his astute attention to the issue of road and other infrastructures in the State, and therefore, urge the executive arm of government through the Ministry of Public Works, and Transport and other relevant government agencies to immediately set machineries in motion for the reconstruction of the destroyed Aadiun River bridge;
“I also urge the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to direct Ogbomoso North Local Government in whose jurisdiction Aaduin River is situated to provide, for the time being, a makeshift in order to ameliorate the untold hardship brought about by the disconnection of the people of this community and probably consider palliatives for them.
“I further appeal to the Executive Arm of Government through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and other relevant government agencies to urgently attend to other roads and bridges in need of urgent attention across the state.”
In their reaction, Hon. Isiaka Tunde (Oyo East/Oyo West), who seconded the motion, Hon. Jacob Bamigboye (Oriire) and Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, the House Minority Leader, called for urgent rehabilitation of damaged roads and bridges across the state, explaining that it has been affecting economic progress of the state especially among farmers.
While passing the resolutions as presented by Hon. Wumi Oladeji, the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, urged the House Committee on Ministry of Public Works and Transport to take up the responsibility of the damaged bridge in order to reintegrate the residents of the affected communities.
The Speaker also appealed to the Committee to ensure close monitoring of various road and bridge construction projects to ensure that the job done can stand the test of time.
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