The recent deterioration of the Ojumele-Ajegunle road in Makun-Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has been attributed to human error rather than flaws in the construction project, according to Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Akinmade, in a detailed press statement released in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, elucidated that the root cause of the damage was the neglectful disposal of refuse, leading to the blockage of the collector drainage system meant to manage stormwater in the area. This obstruction resulted in water overflow during a heavy downpour on Sunday.
Moreover, Akinmade highlighted another factor contributing to the road damage: the ill-advised construction of a cover slab on the drain by a car wash owner without proper engineering consultation. This decision hindered the natural flow of water into the drain, exacerbating the situation during the intense rainfall.
In response to the crisis, relevant authorities promptly mobilized to the site to initiate repairs. Despite the swift action taken, the state government expressed deep regret over the unfortunate incident and acknowledged the inconveniences experienced by residents as a result.
The statement reads:” Our attention has been drawn to the report of a damaged part of the newly constructed Ojumele-Ajegunle Road, in Makun-Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“While the State Government is greatly saddened by the development, going by the inconveniences it will cause to the residents and given resources expended on the project for the benefit of the inhabitants; we , however, want to categorically state that the damage has nothing to do with the quality of the road, contrary to what some sections of the media mischievously reported.
“The reason for the damage was simply that the collector drainage for the storm water in the area was silted up due to indiscriminate refuse disposal, which made the water to overflow during the downpour of Sunday afternoon.
“In the same vein, a car wash owner ignorantly built a cover slab on the drain without adequate and proper engineering guidance and advice of experts, causing water not to flow properly into the drain during the heavy rain.
“Meanwhile, the appropriate agency of government has promptly responded and repair work is already ongoing on the road, as the area will be cement-stabilised at the end of the day to prevent future occurrence.
“Without mincing words, every resident can attest to the fact that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration has been very committed to quality roads across the State since his assumption of office in 2019, and will never relent in his efforts to evenly develop the State without blemish”.
