The Osun State Ministry of Works has assured residents that the controversial Lameco Bridge and other ongoing infrastructure projects across the state remain structurally sound, dismissing allegations of construction failure and insisting that all projects were executed in line with established engineering standards.
The assurance was given during an interactive session with civil society organisations and journalists in Osogbo, organised to address public concerns over the condition of the Lameco Bridge following viral videos and reports circulating on social media.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace, Mr. Kamiludeen Lamina, said the engagement was convened to obtain professional clarification on the bridge and other road infrastructure projects across the state.
According to him, the objective was to provide residents with factual information and prevent misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development, Mr. Jare Tiamiyu, stressed the need for greater transparency in the execution of public infrastructure projects.
He said the public deserved to know the contractors handling government projects, the procurement process through which they emerged and their track records.
“The public deserves to know who was awarded these contracts, the selection process and the track record of the contractors. Transparency builds public confidence in government projects,” Tiamiyu said.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Idowu Bashir Bello, maintained that engineering assessments are based on scientific evidence rather than political assumptions.
“The integrity of engineering projects is rooted in scientific methodology and rigorous testing, not political assumptions. Engineering conclusions are drawn from data, investigations and professional analysis, not speculation,” Bello said.
He explained that every government project undergoes stringent quality assurance procedures, including laboratory analysis of construction materials, compressive strength tests and non-destructive structural examinations before being certified for public use.
Bello further disclosed that the ministry retains five per cent of every contract sum as a retention fee, which allows contractors to rectify any defects identified during the defect liability period before final payment is made.
According to him, the appearance of minor defects on infrastructure projects is a normal engineering occurrence worldwide and should not be interpreted as structural failure.
Addressing concerns surrounding the Lameco Bridge, Bello insisted there was no evidence of structural collapse, alleging that some of the observed damage resulted from external interference rather than poor construction.
“What happened was damage, not failure. The bridge remains structurally sound. We have invited independent structural engineers to conduct further assessments, and their findings will be made public,” he said.
He also alleged that chemicals suspected to be diesel were deliberately poured on sections of the asphalt, explaining that diesel weakens asphalt surfaces and allows water to penetrate, thereby accelerating deterioration.
The permanent secretary urged residents to disregard unverified reports capable of causing panic, assuring them that the ministry remained committed to ensuring the safety of all road users.
On the award of contracts, Bello dismissed suggestions that the governor personally selected contractors, explaining that recommendations are made strictly by professionals within the ministry.
“The governor is not a contractor. The Ministry of Works recommends contractors based on competence, technical capacity and experience, and we stand by every recommendation we make,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Engr. Maruff Oyebode, said all contracts awarded by the state government comply with the Public Procurement Law.
He explained that projects are publicly advertised, bids evaluated and contractors shortlisted based on experience, technical competence, available equipment, qualified personnel and financial capacity before recommendations are forwarded for government approval.
According to Oyebode, several projects executed by the current administration have continued to stand the test of time, including the Akoda–Oke Gada Road, Old Garage–Okefia–Lameco Road and the Oba Adesoji Aderemi East Bypass.
He added that the Adeleke administration has completed about 250 kilometres of roads, while over 140 kilometres of road projects are currently under construction across the state.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering durable and quality infrastructure, urging residents to rely on verified technical information rather than unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media.
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