Osun Begins Marking of Iwo Major Road Dualisation
Osun State surveyors commenced work at the site of Odo-Ori/Adeeke Road earmarked for expansion and dualisation by the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
A Ministry of Works delegation which visited Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, on April 17 for consultation had assured the monarch and community leaders that the work would start on the road in a matter of days.
Keeping its words, the surveyors started the marking of the road and delineation of structures to be potentially demolished for the project to meet specifications.
Leading the surveyors was Mr. Taofeek Oyebamiji. He explained that the Odo-Ori roundabout would have a roundabouts of 30 metres with a 15-metre-long radius.
Although the project was designed to start at the roundabouts, it would extend by junction, it would extend by 125 metres to Agbowo Road, 136 metres to both Osogbo and Ibadan Roads.
He went further to say that the main road would be widened by 35 metres. When divided into two, each carriageway would be 17.5 metres (~57 Feet)
“It is our mandate to carefully mark the road so as to delineate the curves, alignment and the structures to be touched by this project. This is the preliminary stage of the construction and what we are able to achieve here will give a clear direction to the construction engineers that would handle the work,” Oyebamiji said.
“We are glad that community people are calm and they seem to be cooperative. It shows that they already have an understanding of why we are here.”
“We will conclude our own part of the work in few days time. I am sure that the contractors would immediately mobilise their equipment once we are done and file our technical report.”
“It is important to state that the first phase will begin at Odo-Ori junction and terminate at the Post Office in Oja-Ale. The phasing of the work will ensure a speedy completion and reduce the stretch of period the road would be blocked and open it up for public use.”
Road users appeared to be excited about the possibilities and ease of commute the project would bring to them.
When speaking, Mr. Babatunde Wasiu, expressed what seemed to be in the minds of the people. “This will definitely add more beauty to our community. But more importantly, it will enhance transportation and public safety. Placed side by side, the benefits obviously outweigh any temporary inconvenience we will witness,” he said.
“For me, if buildings are demolished, it is for the greater good and I am fully ready to cooperate with the government. The government should also do justice to property owners by paying them compensation for their properties.”
Following the first visit to the Oluwo, the monarch convened a town hall on 21st of April where he formally intimated residents of the project and the proposed demolition of some roadside structures for public good.
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