… We’ll continue to address infrastructure deficit — Omowaiye
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State residents have showered praises on the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, following the opening of the newly completed Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo for use.
This followed after a due certification for a safe ride by the external Consultant known as Advanced Engineering Consultant, Lagos.
Recall that the state government flagged off the flyover project in February 2021 as a swift response to eradicate needless auto crash and enhance the quality of lives of the people through timely and prompt infrastructure development in the state.
The flyover is a 295.95m length of Bridge Approach Ramp, 196m long Fakunle Ramp, 99.95m long MDS Ramp, with its slope of Ramp being 3 percent.
Governor Oyetola who opened the Flyover for road users, on Monday, has been described as a game changer in terms of infrastructure development across the state.
Speaking, one of the road users, Elder Oyewumi Akinwale, eulogised Oyetola for deeming it fit to construct the flyover in state capital.
Elder Akinwale declared that the flyover will reduce auto crash in the area that had claimed many lives in the past.
“We are very happy to have Governor Adegboyega Oyetola at this period. The governor remain a game changer. We have recorded many auto crashes at this spot where we have flyover.”
Another resident identified as Adeagbo Hammed commended the governor for taking a bold step to embark on the project without borrowing money.
Hammed said the present government has improved the status of Osogbo as the State capital which can stand side by side with other state capitals in South West region.
He said the flyover has added to the beauty of the state which, according to him, “we can be proud of anywhere outside the state.”
A commercial driver, Ojelabi Idowu, also applauded the government over the flyover.
Idowu, who said that it was difficult for motorists during the construction of the flyover, added that the Flyover would relieve them from taking longer routes.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr Remi Omowaiye, said the government will not joke with maintenance of the Iconic Olaiya Flyover.
He noted that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and men at the office of transportation have been deployed to control the traffic for the meantime for motorists to familiarise with the traffic signs at the road.
Omowaiye stressed that the road was opened for vehicular movement, adding that the government will reveal the official date for commissioning.
He said the Governor Adegboyega Oyetola-led administration will commence many more road projects across the state, adding that the government will continue working on the infrastructure deficit in the state.
According to Omowaiye, “What is good about the Iconic Olaiya Flyover is that we took time to look around. We went to Ilorin, Lagos in Ikeja and Ibadan to observe the defects of their flyovers and we improved on that.
“This road is sufficient for this place. Side-by-side, it is about 10 metres and the average vehicle is 3.2 metres. The flyover only meets for vehicles moving toward the MDS area. Having something bigger than this is wasting of resources,” he added.