As part of efforts to tackle persistent flooding in the Kuto area, the Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Afeez Balogun, has flagged off the construction of a 1.266-kilometre road and the rehabilitation of the Isale-Oja Kuto Bridge.

Residents who gathered for the ceremony described the condition of the Kuto community and its Isale-Oja suburb during the rainy season as dire, noting that the area has suffered recurrent flooding for over two decades.

Community leaders, market unions and other stakeholders said the project was long overdue, lamenting years of neglect despite the road’s economic importance to Abeokuta.

They recalled that although the road was initially constructed during the administration of former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, subsequent interventions failed to provide a lasting solution. Since 2003, the community has continued to grapple with flooding and poor accessibility.

The residents, however, expressed optimism that the new project would bring lasting relief, particularly under the administration of Dapo Abiodun. They commended Balogun for initiating the project and appealed for its extension to Isabo to ease the movement of people and goods.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday, Balogun said the project was in fulfilment of his campaign promises and aimed at driving development in the Kuto area and its environs.

He added that plans were underway to remodel Kuto Market to address congestion and improve accessibility upon completion of the road project.

“After delivering this road, our next focus will be the market. The transformation will speak for itself,” he said.

The chairman also urged market women and community leaders to collaborate with the council’s environmental sanitation unit to ensure proper maintenance and prevent future flooding.

Earlier, the Supervisor for Works, Abidemi Lawal, said the road and bridge rehabilitation were carefully designed to address flooding and improve traffic flow.

He assured residents that the project would be completed within six weeks, noting that qualified professionals had been engaged to ensure quality delivery.