Human error and not professional deficiency was responsible for the damage on the Ojumele-Ajegunle Road in Makun-Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media Kayode Akinmade, has explained.
In a press statement yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Akinmade, noted that indiscriminate waste disposal silted the collector drains, thereby blocking stormwater flow during the heavy downpour on Sunday.
Besides, he said a car wash owner built a cover slab on the drain without engineering guidance from professionals, thus impeding the flow of water into the drain.
The adviser, who said that appropriate authorities had been mobilized for prompt remedial works, said the government was sad about the inconveniences triggered by the human error.
He urged residents to take ownership of any facility provided in their domains by the government, adding that the taxpayers’ monies are deployed in their provision for the common good.
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 stormwater 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 from experts, causing the 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 road delivery across the state since his assumption of office in 2019. He will never relent in his efforts to the development of all parts of the state”.
