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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The culvert at Oroki market, Alekuwodo, Osogbo, Osun State, is in a state of disrepair, posing a danger to the residents of the area.
Vehicles are now at the risk of plunging into the culvert as there is no sign that the cracking drainage has taken part of the parking space.
Some road users who usually buy goods by the roadside are not aware of the moribund state of the road.
The culvert was reportedly built and channeled through the ecological intervention fund during the administration of former governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The traders in the market are aware of the danger but due to lack of space inside the market, some of them still display their goods at the roadside while vehicles also park to patronize them.
A trader who simply identified herself as Toyin Adeogun said she decided to display her goods by the roadside when her container was demolished by some people who claimed to be agents of the government.
“I have a container which I put along the old Governor’s office, but it was destroyed by some people overnight by unknown people who claimed to be agents of the government. They said they don’t want us to stay on walkways any longer. That is why I was coming here in the afternoon because the shop is expensive,” Toyin said.
Speaking with Sunday Sun, one of the representatives of Oroki market, Alekuwodo, Osogbo, Folorunso Rafiu popularly known as Anifowose slaughter slab, explained that the government had been informed but all to no avail.
He stated that officials of the state government had visited the area in 2023 but nothing has been done to repair the road.
“We talked to our people that the area was dangerous and we demarcated the place with rope to let them be aware and steer clear from the place.
“Though we’ve not informed the government, we have but we have not seen the commissioner for the environment.
“I noticed the government’s visitation team last year who came to inspect the place. That is why we believe that they are aware.
“Since last year, we have not seen any step taken by the government. It is dangerous to the traders and customers who usually park in the area,” Rafiu said.
When contacted, the Commissioner of Environment, Mayowa Adejoorin, said the issue does not fall under his ministry.
He said, “It doesn’t fall within the purview of my ministry. The construction of any culvert or bridge is not our work.”
Though Governor Ademola Adeleke is in charge of the Ministry of Works, the Commissioner for Special Duties & Regional Integration, Dr B. T. Salami, who oversees the ministry, said he was not aware of the road.
