Mixed Feelings Trail Ilorin Drainage Reconstruction Project *Wasteful spending of taxpayers money -Civil engineer, Otukoko
By Ahmed Ajikobi
Mixed reactions are trailing the ongoing reconstruction of the drainage on the newly rehabilitated Adeta/Pakata Road in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The Adeta/Pakata road was rehabilitated about a year ago, completed with drainage which gave the entire stretch of the road a face-lift, to the delight of the residents living in the area.
However, the residents watched with disbelief as workmen descended on the area last week and started digging up the already completed drainage. Those who summoned courage to demand what was going on were reportedly told by the workmen that the drainage was not wide enough, hence the need to expand it.
The development, however attracted mixed reactions from the residents some of whom eagerly anticipated the benefits of the improved infrastructure while others expressed anxiety over the disruption the reconstruction will bring upon their business, and the attendant loss of revenue.
In an interview with our reporter, Lookman Yahaya, a resident of the area, expressed his enthusiasm for the drainage reconstruction project, stating that it is a positive development that will help prevent flooding in their community.
On the other hand, Titilayo Rasheed mentioned that despite the project’s benefits, it has negatively impacted on her business as customers are facing challenges crossing due to the demolition of the drainage system.
Similarly, Issa Wahabi shared his optimism about the expansion of the drainage, describing it as a much-needed improvement for the community.
Wahabi also recalled a tragic incident last year where flooding resulted in a loss of life in the Adeta community. He emphasized that the community’s outcry to the government was a catalyst for the drainage expansion project.
On his own part, a Civil engineer and Kwara PDP stalwart, Engineer Olayinka Otuko pointed out that rerunning the project within the same year indicates a violation of principles and wasteful spending.
Otuko highlighted that despite the project being less than a year old, the government is planning to rerun the same scope of works, including expanding the drainage system.
The engineer emphasized the importance of conducting thorough pre-construction assessments to avoid revisiting projects.
He questioned the decision to expand the drainage in 2023 and again in 2024, citing the need for transparency in the decision-making process.
Otuko called on the government to provide a detailed breakdown of the project costs and evaluation reports to justify the need for the ongoing reconstruction.
He emphasized the impact on commercial activities and economic growth due to the project inefficiencies.
Otuko urged the government to adhere to due process in project execution to prevent wasteful spending and inefficiencies in infrastructure development.
