Heavy rainfall has caused the culvert on the road connecting the Atijere community in Ilaje local government area to other parts of Ondo State through Ogun State to wash away. Residents in the community are facing difficulties in leaving their area as the flood has caused damage in the region over the weekend.
The community had been utilizing the newly built culvert on the road to provide access for residents to their community via Ogun State since they lacked a drivable route to Ondo State.
The Molokun of Atijere Kingdom, Oba Samuel Adeoye, Edema 1, who commented on the current situation of the community, appealed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to promptly commence the reconstruction of the road to alleviate the suffering of his people and provide essential necessities.
Oba Adeoye emphasized the urgent need for the reconstruction of the culvert to ensure that the means of movement in and out of the town is restored by the authorities.
He said: “This is the only road linking my community and it’s from the Ogun state axis. We don’t have any road yet connecting us to Ondo state. We appeal to the Ondo State government, OSOPADEC and NDDC to rescue us. Our people are suffering already from the collapsed culvert.
“We are trying our best, especially the youths, just put the road to shape but we cannot do it all alone, while we appeal to the authorities for help.
“Residents of this beautiful community deserve safe and accessible roads to lead productive lives, and it is incumbent upon the government to make this a reality. The time for action is now, as Atijere’s potential can only be fully realized when its roads are no longer a peril but a pathway to progress.”
A community leader, Lanre Ikuejurojo, said they decided to donate money to reconstruct and repair one of the bridges in the area.
He said: “Residents have to contend with a myriad of challenges due to these dilapidated roads, the residents have demonstrated remarkable resilience. They have organized community efforts to address the issue, such as voluntary road repairs and clean-up initiatives.
“These efforts are often short-lived and insufficient to tackle the root of the problem. While community-driven initiatives are commendable, the solution to Atijere’s road problems ultimately lies in government intervention. The government, at both state and federal levels, should prioritize the rehabilitation and maintenance of the community’s road infrastructure.
“Adequate funding, proper planning, and timely execution of road projects are essential steps in alleviating the suffering of Atijere’s residents. The bad road situation in Atijere, Ilaje Local Government, Ondo State, is not just a local issue; it is a matter of public concern that requires immediate attention.”
