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Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun has insisted that construction of flyovers across the state without providing befitting housing, social basic amenities for the residents is not enough achievement to be celebrated by any government.
In veiled attack on his predecessor, Abiodun said it’s not enough to construct flyovers without needed road infrastructure.
PPLATFORM TIMES recalls that the immediate past governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun constructed no fewer than seven flyovers in different parts of Abeokuta and had always described it as one of his giant achievements during his tenure as the governor of the state.
However, Abiodun while speaking at the town meeting held in preparation for the 2020 budget of the state in Abeokuta maintained that it is important for government to provide a good road network and effective water supply across the state rather than constructing giant flyover which may not be accessible by every residents of the state.
He also said his administration is planning to engage in total urban regeneration of the state capital to a modern day demands of a sustainable city. The governor argued that Abeokuta is an old ancient city that needs more of befitting houses, social infrastructures than flyovers constructed by his predecessor.
He added, ”we are very particular about the urban regeneration of Abeokuta; the total urban regeneration Abeokuta. Abeokuta is an old ancient city, but it is the capital of the gateway state.
“You will recalled I said it is not enough to just have flyovers, but it is more important to have good road infrastructure, to have water supply, to have befitting housing and to have all these social infrastructure that will meet the modern day demands of a sustainable city.
“We are determine to ensure that the city of Abeokuta is the typical and shining example of a sustainable city.”
The governor further disclosed that plans are underway to establish bureau of water supply alongised bureau of energy and electricity.
He said, “This administration has placed a premium on the rehabilitation or construction of roads. Be rest assured that water supply is a matter that we have discussed and very soon, you will begin to see our implementation, but in the immediate step the responsibility of water supply is embedded in the ministry of special duties.
“We are taking it out and we are creating a bureau for water supply on its own, so that it can get the attention observed.
“There are two bureaus that we are creating; we are creating the energy and electricity board, that also is important to us because we cannot be planning to be a sustainable state if we don’t adequate power and water. The boards will be headed by people who have proven track in those areas.”