In the wake of recent heavy downpour of rain causing flooding in different parts of Ibadan, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has ordered immediate relocation of traders operating their stalls and shops on drainages.
He maintained that violators of the relocation directive from the affected areas would be arrested and prosecuted within the provisions of relevant environmental laws.
This was as the Council boss also disclosed that his administration has already completed the rehabilitation of Olomi, Fatusi-Ayegun road, while Odo-ona kekere road is undergoing rehabilitation.
The Council boss also led top local government officials including the Vice Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon Adeniyi Akorede, the Supervisory Councilor for Works, Hon Oyepeju Moruf Ikeoluwa, and the Director of Works on inspection tour of Liberty-Academy road following the heavy downpour that affected a culvert and a mini bridge.
Engr. Olatunji made this known last weekend during an unscheduled inspection to Olomi, Fatusi/Ayegun Road, Abbey Technical/ Liberty Academy/ Olugbemi Road and Odo-ona Kerere.
According to the Council Chairman who conducted an on-site inspection of some of the damaged roads and drainages, the inspection followed a distress call by residents of the affected areas.
Olatunji however, ordered the local government Works Department to immediately provide rubble to fill up the affected Olomi, Fatusi/Ayegun Road and Odo-ona Kerere, with similar efforts to be carried out on Abbey Technical/ Liberty Academy/ Olugbemi Road.
Olatunji, who attributed the damaged portion of the road to heavy rainfall and blocked drainage channels, said the damaged portion of the road would disrupt smooth transportation and also pose challenges for residents and commuters if not urgently addressed, hence, the need for immediate evacuation.
During the inspection, Olatunji expressed concerns over the state of the damaged portion of the roads, some of which have been rendered impassable due to water accumulation and erosion.
He stressed the urgent need for maintenance and improvement of the area’s drainage infrastructure to prevent future occurrences and also to make the road passable for commuters.
Olatunji, who assured that alternative place for trading activities was being prepared for seamless relocation of the affected traders equally addressed the presence of street traders occupying the drainage areas, while emphasizing the need for immediate evacuation to facilitate cleanup efforts and ensure proper drainage flow.
The LG Chairman however, assured residents of the affected areas that plans were underway to rehabilitate Abbey Technical/ Liberty Academy/ Olugbemi Road and other affected roads in Oluyole Local Government and improve drainage systems. He urged community members to cooperate with local authorities and to report any further blockages that could exacerbate flooding issues.
“We cannot allow trading activities to obstruct our drainage systems. This puts everyone at risk especially during rainy seasons like this.
“In light of this, the traders with stalls and shops on drainages have to be evacuated. I have also warned that residents of the affected areas should endeavour to clear up the waterways for free flow of water.
“Very soon we will be dredging some of the rivers to allow for free flow of water and prevent flooding. Also, when the rainy season ends, some of the damaged culverts will be demolished and new ones put in place for our people.
One of the traders in the affected areas, Mrs. Iyabo Komolafe, commended the Council Chairman for his responsive and proactive approach to community development assuring that traders were in support of his decision and plans.