The government of the State of Osun has said that the Olaiya flyover project will not hinder other developmental strides of the government in other sectors of the economy and across the state.
It insisted that the Oyetola-led administration will still maintain its obligations to citizens in spite of the enormity of the project.
Speaking on Frank Talk on Rave 91.7F.M. on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said the administration has counted its cost and aligned all its ducks in a row before proposing to embark on such an iconic project.
She said: “This government has counted its cost and ensured that all its ducks are in a row. The project is not going to affect anything across different sectors because plans have already been marshalled out for intervention across sectors.
“That is why we are adopting the alternative funding approach to finance major projects. That way, we are able to space and schedule financial commitments.
“The people of Osun can be relaxed knowing that this administration will continue to pick its bills without any of its balls falling off.
“We also wish to state that this is a legacy project, one that the generation to come will benefit from, but I can also assure that there are still a number of legacy projects to come. So, our people do not need to worry that these big things will affect every day bills. Salaries will still be paid as and when due. In the next 30 days, we will be rolling out the construction of 10 more roads, and it will not affect any other aspect of our lives.
“For Governor Oyetola, it is about leaving the State better than he met it. So, there will be big projects across different sectors, and when we look back at his tenure, it will be glaring that someone came and made a big difference. That someone is Adegboyega Oyetola.
“So, even if this project drills a hole in the finances of the government, it will ultimately ensure that our people are comfortable, and that they get values for their votes, for the hours they spent in the sun.
“So, doing a legacy project doesn’t mean that anything will fall through the cracks. There will be a simultaneous reconstruction of other roads, and that does not mean that water projects will be abandoned or attention to the health of our people will dwindle”, Egbemode stated.
Describing the scope of the project, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Engr. Hussein Olatoke Olaniyan, said the flyover is a four-span bridge that would begin around Ogo-Oluwa and end close to the MDS point.
“At the completion of the project, those coming from Ogo-Oluwa need not pause at any point. They will just use the flyover. The same applies to road users approaching Ogo-Oluwa from MDS. Only those going to Odi-Olowo and Alekuwodo axes would be directed by signal lights. But ultimately, the flyover will simplify the traffic situation in that area and address avoidable accidents and safety issues.
“We intend to commence the project in February, and we propose to work on it for about nine months. It could even be shorter than nine months because we know the pedigree of the contractors. They have delivered promptly on previous projects, like the Alekuwodo network of road which was delivered in record time in spite of the disruption of Covid-19.
“Let me also add that the fact that we are working on the Olaiya flyover does not signal an end to other projects that are going on across the state or that will be flagged off in the progression of time.
“Part of the protocols for constructions such as this, according to international standard, is for construction sites to be rid of the presence of pedestrians and road user because a lot of heavy equipment will be in motion at the construction site.
“So, what we are going to do is that we are going to close all the roads that lead to the site. Vehicles coming from Ogo-Oluwa going to MDS will have to take alternative routes through the November 27 interchange (for heavy good vehicles), light vehicular traffic through the Ramp in front of Zenith Bank, and through Abake junction.
“Those coming from MDS to Ogo-Oluwa/Abere axis will have to take alternative routes through Rasco to link Okefia, Alekuwodo, Technical, and other axis.
“The travel plans have been carefully marshalled, and we are going to publish it in due course and erect directional signs in appropriate places” Olaniyan stated.
