Oluyole LG Intensifies Infrastructure Drive, Begins River Dredging, Road Grading Projects Across Communities
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, has intensified efforts at improving infrastructure and preventing environmental disasters across various communities in the council area through ongoing dredging of rivers and grading of roads.
The intervention projects, which cut across flood-prone communities and deplorable road networks within the local government, are aimed at enhancing environmental safety, improving transportation and boosting socio-economic activities among residents.
As part of the exercise, dredging works are currently ongoing around the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria CRIN), as well as in Kasumu Community and the Olomi Community Secondary School axis at Ope-Agbe, Omiyale.
Residents of the affected areas have long battled recurring flooding and blocked waterways, especially during the rainy season, a situation that often results in destruction of properties and disruption of economic activities.
Speaking during an inspection of the projects, Olatunji said the dredging initiative was part of proactive measures put in place by the council administration to tackle erosion and flooding challenges confronting many communities within Oluyole Local Government.
He noted that the clearing and expansion of drainage channels and waterways as the raining season lurks around the corner would allow free flow of water and significantly reduce the risks associated with heavy rainfall.
According to him, his administration remains committed to delivering people-oriented projects that directly address the immediate needs of residents, stressing that environmental protection and road accessibility remain critical to grassroots development.
The council boss added that the intervention would also improve sanitation conditions and create a safer environment for residents, students and road users in the affected communities.
In the area of road infrastructure, the local government has also commenced grading of several inner roads across Sanyo Agbamu Area, Abanla Area and Ayetoro Area to ease transportation difficulties being experienced by residents and motorists.
The grading works, according to the chairman, are designed to improve connectivity among communities, facilitate movement of agricultural produce and reduce hardship faced by commuters due to the poor condition of the roads.
Residents and community leaders in the benefiting areas, who came out to receive the delegation from the LG commended the council chairman for the intervention, describing the projects as timely and directly impactful on grassroots residents.
Some of the residents, in their remarks, noted that many of the roads had become nearly impassable before the grading exercise commenced, while the blocked waterways had posed serious environmental threats to lives and properties over the years.
They expressed optimism that the ongoing projects would bring lasting relief to the affected communities and further open up the areas for economic and social development.
Olatunji further reaffirmed the commitment of the local government administration to sustaining developmental projects across all wards in the council area in line with the vision of governor Seyi Makinde.
He added that no community would be left behind in the drive to improve the welfare of the people.
He urged residents to support government initiatives and ensure proper maintenance of drainage channels and public infrastructure for the collective benefit of the communities.