By Damilola Kushimo
The Project Engineer of BAF Earthworks Services and Construction Limited, Engr Oludare Ojeme handling the ongoing drain construction on Community Road, Oke-Ogbere, has promised to complete the project before the next rainy season.
The drain construction is a state government project in the community as contracted out by Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources; Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources.
The 1.24 km drain on Community Road from the Junction on Ago-Palace Way to the canal is scheduled for completion within six months. It is expected to be ready by May 2021 as it began in December 2020.
The project engineer said the construction is already 40 per cent stressing that it would be totally completed before May, this year.
Ojeme explained that the company has been making stressful efforts to make sure the constructed part of the drain is covered for road users to use in order not to further inconvenience their movement.
He appreciated the residents for their support saying their tolerance underscores their understanding of the importance of the project.
He said there is a need for the drain to be constructed to decongest the flood on Ago-Palace Way whenever it rains especially at the Community Junction.
“There is a need to have a second drain on this road and that is what necessitated this project. The cooperation we’ve enjoyed from the residents and road users have been so encouraging. It really shows that the people know the importance of this project to their community.
“Though the project is scheduled for six months, from December 2020 to May 202, we are working to make sure that it is completed before May which is when rain is likely to start. We are being practical with that plan because we work here round the week. Sunday is just like a normal working day and all our staff members are very committed to achieving that,” he said.
In the same vein, community leaders in Akinbaiye and Karimu-Olushi Community Development Associations (CDAs) have commended the Council Chairman, Hon. Shamsudeen Olaleye, over the ongoing road rehabilitation on Karimu and Aregbe Streets.
The projects, which will put the roads in motorable condition within three months (February – April), are handled by Gabakar Nigeria Limited and Uba-Rajid Nigeria Enterprises.
The Chairman of Karimu Olushi CDA, Alhaji Karimu Aregbe explained that the project is a dream come true for the community as a series of letters and appeals have been made to the governments to fix Karimu Street which is one of the major link roads in Isolo community.
He noted that the project was one of the campaign promises of the council chairman which could not be fulfilled in his first term in office.
The CDA treasurer, who doubles as the Ex-officio 2 of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Elder Adejare Oguntoyinbo said: “Upon completion, this project will not only ease vehicular movement on the road but adds greater value to business activities here. Though we’ve paid the chairman an appreciation visit for the project, we can’t be grateful enough because this project will greatly complement his other efforts in this community and the ward, at large and we’ve appealed for more developmental projects in our CDA here.”
Also appreciating the council chairman, the chairman of Akinbaiye CDA, Hon. Samson Fatoye who is also the CDC secretary explained that the projects are coming at the least expected moment, describing it as “wonderful attestations to his (the council chairman) giant strides.”
He, however, urged aspirants who are trying to succeed the incumbent chairman to be ready to serve the community.
