Residents of Aduraleke in Odeda Local Council, Ogun State, have appealed to the government to repair a dilapidated bridge linking 10 communities in the area, aiming to avert life-threatening flooding during the rainy season.

They also called on the administration to rehabilitate roads in deplorable condition across the communities before the heavy downpour predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) begins in the state.

Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC), Abdulgafar Tijani, stated in Abeokuta that the CDC leadership had written several letters to the state government regarding the state of the bridge and road network, but had yet to receive a response.

Tijani warned that the bridge could cave in, making it difficult for motorists and other road users to access the communities, and urged immediate intervention on the bridge and the road, which he noted had been earmarked for construction since 2011.

He stated that repairing the road, which cuts across notable areas including Obantoko, Bode-Olude, and the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB) in Abeokuta, would ease traffic gridlock and enhance socio-economic development in the area.

According to him, the poor state of the road network has hindered the construction of a quality healthcare centre by either private individuals or the government, as well as limiting trade, modern amenities and growth of the local economy.

Tijani said: “We lack social amenities in this area, even the bridge that links 10 communities in Aduraleke is in dilapidated conditions and could cave in anytime, especially during this rainy season. We are appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to come to our rescue and assist us in repairing this bridge.

“We also want the governor to help us fix our road network linking from Bode-Olude to Obantoko, FUNAAB road, and others to ease traffic congestion and pave the way for development in healthcare, trade, and the local economy for the development of the area.”