Ile-Ife flyover bridge: IDB charges contractor to commence work
By Jeleel Olawale
The Ife Development Board (IDB) has called on the contractor handling the construction of the Ile-Ife flyover bridge, Sammayal Company to commence work in the site amid the speculations that the project has been abandoned.
The IDB made the call at an interactive discussion with the contractor and stakeholders at the Ife City Hall, Anyway, Ile-Ife.
The IDB invited the contractor and political functionaries who are Ife indigenes, serving in the Government of Ademola Adeleke for discussion on the project.
Comrade Lawrence Awowoyin, the immediate past IDB president said, Ife appreciated the Governor for giving Ife the flyover bridge, saying it is a good permanent legacy, not stomach infrastructure to be left behind. He noted that the Adeleke name would not be forgotten in a hurry.
He urged the contractor to quickly move to site as Ife people are eager to see work going on in the site, pledging the support of Ife for the contractor.
Alhaji Saka Fawole, who chaired the project committee charged the contractor to do due diligence on the job and deliver the project at the stipulated time. He urged Ife people to unite with a view to complete the Lagere flyover bridge.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transports, Engineer M. A. Ojebode said the planning stage has been concluded, adding that despite the federal government working on the road, the green area has been resolved.
He noted that there is need for expansion in the area, adding that compensation would be given to those whose houses would be affected by the flyover bridge.
“The ministry is working hard to ensure free flow of movement when the project commences. We are going to add value to the bridge. We want the road users to comply with the contractor to enable him to complete the bridge. The project would be completed June, 2025.”
A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Awoyeye, representing Ife Central State Constituency, called on the contractor to patronise local content by engaging local artisans.
Professor Muib Opeloye admonished politicians not to approach the contractor for kickbacks to ensure that the project is completed, stressing that receiving bribes from the contractor may hinder the project.
He urged Ife politicians to focus on community development rather than self-interest. Opeloye therefore, charged IDB to monitor the project for speedy completion.
