People of Oke-Awesin area of Ilobu in Irepodun local government area of Osun have appealed to governments at all level to come to their aids as early downpour of Saturday, September 14th wrecked great havoc in the area.
The unprecedented flood led to loss of properties worth millions of naira as some also became homeless due to the flood.
The over 50 years old bridge that links the community was also washed off by the flood. Insight media correspondent also sighted some vehicles that are submerged in the flood.
While counting their loses, some of the residents of the area lamented that they have called the attention of the of the local government chairman of Irepodun to the bridge as it has become a source of worries for the residents for a long time.
One of the residents who spoke with Insight Media said they have been living in fears for a long time. He added that the community has contributed some amount of money when the bridge to reconstruct the culvert but all the efforts proved abortive as they couldn’t meet up with the required amount.
“Whenever it rains, we will stay outside to observe the erosion under the bridge. Even in the night. We have informed the local government chairman severally, since the road is a local road but no response from him. We have in the past contributed to ensure it’s expanded but our funds was not enough. The worst aspect is that some councillors also live around here.”
We’ve been working hard to ensure a lasting solution is given to them – Oyedeji
In his reaction, the Chairman of Irepodun local government, Hon Abayomi Oyedeji debunked insinuations that he has no done anything on the narrow bridge.
Oyedeji said he has severally written letters and brought delegates from different quarters to assess the bridge and the last was from the ministry of local government.
Countering the claim that he has not been to the site of the incident since Saturday, the council boss said he was there later Saturday and before he went, he had informed the supervisor for local government administration, Barr. Jare Adebisi who in turn linked him with the supervisor for home affairs and the process to work on it has commenced.
“I was aware and since then, we have been trying our possible best to find solution to it. Although the incident is so unfortunate, but the claim that we are not working on it remains false. When their delegation visited, I told them what we have done and even we have been to the site for several times with different delegates from various agencies all in the name of finding solutions to it.
“I was there yesterday with two of my councillors and immediately I was informed, I called Barr. Jare Adebisi who linked me with the supervisor for home affairs in the state. So the two claims are false.
“On what to do now, we believe very soon, the bridge will be expanded.”
Osun Assembly shall do everything within its powers – Olateju
The member representing Irepodun/Orolu constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Nasirudeen Olateju has assured the victims of the areas that the state legislature will work with the executive to proffer a solution to the disaster.
Olateju stated this while speaking with Insight Media correspondent at the spot of the flooding in Ilobu. He said he has visited the scene of incident in Ifon-Orolu for on-spot assessment of the disaster and to also identify with the victims.
According to him, he said the Speaker of the Assembly, Timothy Owoeye has been informed and more deliberations shall be done on the issue on the floor of the house on Monday.
“I sympathize with the victims and with the assessment I have done so far, it shows finding solution to a problem of this magnitude is beyond the Local Government. We shall ensure the state does something on it as soon as possible.
“I have informed the Speaker and he also look forward to my full report. As a representative of the people, we shall always stand by them and for them at all time. The incident in both local government remains unfortunate and all hands must be on deck to tackle the menace,” the lawmaker said.
Bukoy commiserates with Victims
Meantheile, the honorable representing Irepodun/Olorunda/Orolu/Osogbo federal constituency in the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources, Olubukola Oyewo has sympathized with the victims of the flood, promising that he would do his best to ensure they get succor from the federal government.
In a statement he signed late on Saturday, the lawmaker said he would use his office to liaise with the Ecology Fund under the office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha to find lasting solution to the disaster.
