Isolo/Ejigbo Road Project:
True to his word, the lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi has taken up issues with the contractor handling the Isolo/Ejigbo Road Reconstruction project.
The project which commenced in January 2023 was expected to be delivered June 2024. But regrettably, 18 months after, the reconstruction has been bugged down by slow pace of work which has heightened fear of motorists, residents and other stakeholders of the contractor's lack of capacity to deliver on the project.
With growing concerns over the lethargic pace of work, Hon. Onuakalusi paid a scheduled inspection visit to the project site to ventilate his displeasure over complaints raised by residents and other stakeholders.
The lawmaker's visit was a big relief to Isolo residents many of whom have dubbed him an 'absentee' lawmaker who they claim was not always available to them to discuss their plights and displeasure.
Accompanied by the Special Adviser on Works to Isolo LCDA council chairman, Hon. Jamiu Omotayo, the federal lawmaker arrived at the project site at about 2:00 p.m. with a retinue of press men, community leaders and stakeholders.
He was received by the Project Manager from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Folorunsho Ogundele and the Resident Engineer, Engr. Canice Ogu.
"We all know the socio-economic importance of this road. It is a link road to many other communities. Hence, it is economically important not only to Isolo and Ejigbo but to other communities in the state. But unfortunately the pace of work has left much to be desired.
"The 18 months duration for the project has lapsed since last month and there is no hope that the job can be completed before December. Hence, we are here today to have on-the-spot assessment and to find out possible challenges mitigating against the completion of the project" the lawmaker said in his remark.
In response, the Project Manager, Engr. Folorunsho Ogundele blamed the recent incessant rains as a major hindrance of the project. "This is a natural phenomenon we don't have control over. As you can see, we are almost done with the drainage on both side and we are in the process of doing the earth work but we can't start now because of the rains." He said
He added that the variation in the cost of the project which was occasioned by the rising cost of materials has also brought about a review of the design and cost of the project.
In response to calls for a durable project, Engr. Ogundele happily informed that rather than having the normal surfacing, the on-going project would be done on concrete surfacing due to heavy duty vehicles that are expected to ply the road upon completion.
On the floodings being experienced in some areas, Engr. Ogundele said this would normalize as soon as the drainage is completed and linked straight to Oke-Afa Canal.
However, a community leader, Mr. Sunday Olaifa pleaded for adequate attention on the link roads captured in the project documents even as he called for compensation to be paid to those affected by flooding caused by the on-going project.
He therefore pleaded with the contractor to hasten up on the project which he said must be completed latest December 2024.
Earlier same day, the Controller of Works (South west), Engr. Kesha had visited the project site to assess the on-going work. Dissatisfied with the likelihood of muddy scene, she ordered the immediate stoppage of earth-work till when there is clear weather while calling for completion of concrete work on the project.
Engr. Kesha also called for palliatives to be carried out on a section of the road to aid ease of movement by motorists in and out of Isolo.
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