Community In Fear Over Construction Of Road In Adeleke’s Hometown
Residents of Irewunmi community, Bintinlaye, Owode-Ede in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State have raised concerns over the diversion of water channels to their community for the ongoing road construction project in the area.
The residents claimed that there is no river in the community to link the drainage system for the free flow of water.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the contractors handling the project have channeled drainage to the community for erosion control.
However, the residents argued that the diversion of the water channel to the place would endanger their houses as many houses would be affected by flooding during rainy season.
A visit by OSUN DEFENDER to the area on Wednesday also confirmed the situation.
Some of the residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said the diversion was ill-planned and may lead to demolition of houses in the nearest future.
“This project has become a nightmare to us since they started the diversion. There’s no river to connect the water. Our people may be forced to remain wherever they are to avoid possible calamities during rainy season. Many houses would be affected if there is flooding.
“It’s like the government is endangering our lives. Our welfare should be their concern. We hope they will come down to assess the situation properly,” one of the residents said.
“Since the project started, we have been facing difficulties. we can no longer come in with our vehicles. All we want is for the government to expedite action before we enter into the rainy season so water won’t disturb us.
“If at all they want to channel the water to this area, there is a need to construct a bridge and extend the drainage beyond this community down to wherever there is a stream or river to avoid calamities,” a business owner in the area said.
The medium learnt that leaders from the community on Tuesday visited the state government secretariat, Abere to register their concerns.
Responding to enquiry by OSUN DEFENDER on the environmental impact of the diversion on the community, the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin said necessary actions would be taken on the matter.
He said: “Actions are being taken. The media person of my office will speak to you”
But the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Bashir Bello could not be reached as at press time.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
