News: Oyo bridge collapse leads to landlords shifting

Sola Ademola, a civil servant based in Ibadan, Oyo State, is grappling with a new challenge along with thousands of residents and travelers on the Iwo-Ibadan Road. The predicament began on July 24th when the bridge on Egberi River in Olodo collapsed, causing significant concerns for commuters.

The affected communities include Olodo, Oke Omin, Aba Odo, Odan, Agandi, Kumapayi, Adeleye, Lalupon, Ejioku, Offa Metta, Olagbaye, Oloro, Olubodun, Alaran, Opelade, Baale, Edun, and Solaloju. Travelers from Iwo, Osogbo, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and Ejigbo are also facing disruptions.

In response, the Oyo State government closed the bridge and provided an alternative route. The Commissioner for Works, Public Infrastructure, and Transport, Professor Daud Kehinde Shangodoyin, explained that the alternative routes, Oki Junction-Olodo Bank Road (2.5km) and Oki-Kumapayi to Olodo (3.8km), were identified to ease the hardship caused by the bridge collapse.

However, a visit to the site revealed slow progress on the bridge reconstruction, causing frustration among pedestrians and commuters. The designated pedestrian path is in poor condition, adding to the challenges faced by those using the alternative routes.

Furthermore, traders have seized the opportunity to relocate to the site of the collapsed bridge, turning it into a makeshift market. This unexpected economic activity contrasts with the plight of commuters and residents who now endure extended travel times on the alternative routes.

The hardship has prompted some residents, including Mr. Ademola and his family, to abandon their personal residences for rented apartments in less affected areas. Others shared similar sentiments, citing the unbearable stress and traffic congestion on the alternative road as reasons for the move.

Despite the challenges faced by the community, there has been no official response or intervention from the Oyo State government. Community leaders are appealing for urgent action to address the poor state of the alternative road and expedite the completion of the new bridge. The situation remains uncertain as residents continue to grapple with the consequences of the collapsed bridge and its impact on their daily lives.