REASONS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF ITA-EKO-SOKORI ROAD HIGHLIGHTED

The reconstruction of Ita-Eko-Sokori-Totoro road in Abeokuta,Ogun State, was carried out because of the need to upgrade the road to have necessary infrastructural facilities and development a befitting  State capital.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Kayode Ademolake made this disclosure in Abeokuta while presenting a paper titled “How Ita-Eko-Sokori-Totoro Road Was Made” during the monthly meeting of the State chapter of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE)

Engr. Ademolake observed that prior to the reconstruction, the road was characterized by vehicular logjam and “not-too vibrant” commercial activities, but added that the story has now changed having being widened to six lanes and provided with other features of a modern road.

He noted that the road will have the first ever pedestrian and flyover bridge in Abeokuta, both of which are currently being constructed, adding that on completion, the two bridges would make crossing safer and enhance free flow of traffic.

The Permanent Secretary therefore advised indigenous engineers to take a cue and avail themselves of the opportunity of the different construction works being done on the road, saying that the need to keep themselves abreast of new trends, changes and modern innovations in the engineering profession cannot be over-emphasized.

Responding on behalf of other members, Chairman of the State branch of NSE, Engr. Tunde Awolana called for collaboration between the ministries of Works and Infrastructure and Environment to guard against environmental challenges like erosion so that the road project would stand the test of time.

 He also called on house owners along the road whose houses had been partially demolished to pull them down totally before embarking on fresh construction so as to prevent building collapse and ensure safety of life and property.