Following the collapse of the pedestrian bridge few hours after it was constructed in Ona-Ara, Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, people have described the contractors handling the project as incompetent, unprofessional and people with no mastery of the job.
Bitter reactions and destructive criticisms were coming from the people in the area against the contractors shortly after the constructed pedestrian bridge collapsed while it rained.
Sunday Taiwo, a tanker driver while speaking with the crew of naijatodaynews.com tongue lashed the contractors for their incompetency, un-professionalism and no mastery of the task which he said led to the collapse of the pedestrian bridge while it rained once, after the completion of its construction.
Taiwo stressed that it was so disheartening and thought provoking that a bridge meant for the pedestrians in Ona-Ara axis of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State suddenly collapsed while it experienced first rainfall after its construction.
The tanker driver said that it was obvious that the contractors are not competent and professional, for the bridge to have collapsed after they had certified its perfect construction and standard.
Taiwo hinted that he had the knowledge that World Bank in conjunction with Oyo State Government is sponsoring the project, stressing that it was pathetic and worrisome that the duo could not get the first class and professional contractors to handle the project competently.
He called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene immediately, as the collapse of the pedestrian bridge is negatively affecting the wellbeing of over one million residents and also the economic prosperity of the area.
Ibrahim Lawal, a motor driver, said it became important for Oyo Government and representatives of World Bank to make a visit to where the pedestrian bridge had been collapsed and see what the contractors had put in place for people’s passage and crossing.
Lawal stressed that how would the contractors who could not construct an acceptable and standard pedestrian bridge be assured of giving a better and reliable bridge in the subsequent time?.
Lawal called on Makinde and those that matter to do the needful so as to correct the mistakes and shortcomings where necessary, in order to avoid losing of lives and hampering of the economy.
He equally reminded the government not to rescind its decision of providing alternative road while the work on bridge is in progress.
Lawal reiterated that government had earlier promised to provide alternative road, stressing that it has not up till time of filing the report fulfilled the promised.
He enjoined Makinde’s led adminstration to take the cognizance of over one million residents in Ona-Ara, adding that the sustenance and livelihood of many people in the area are attached to the road in question.
Lawal said the current happening in Ona-Ara major road, calls for quick response and presence of Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Idowu Oyeleke, so as to have the adequate knowledge of the current phenomenon
It will be recalled that naijatodaynews.com had earlier made a news story while the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Idowu Oyeleke pledged to make alternative roads available while the project commences.
Oyeleke in his assurance made the statement at the point of the project, while he equally ordered the removal of the blockage to enhance people’s free movement but the promise has not been fulfilled as the time of filing this report.
