The Olodo bridge on the Ibadan-Iwo Expressroad has been closed by the Oyo State government.
The bridge connects Ibadan in Oyo State with Iwo in Osun State.
The bridge was swept away on Monday as a result of the flood that damaged portions of Ibadan.
The state government said on Monday that it had decided to close the bridge, promising inhabitants of flooded regions of prompt action, other routes, and other palliative measures to facilitate their travel.
It made this statement during an assessment visit to the site of the fallen bridge by an inspection team from the Ministries of Works, Environment, Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The crew also evaluated roads in Ibadan at Olodo Garage, Ido, and Akinyele.
“It is really pathetic actually, it is sad what we are seeing here this morning. We came here as a team comprising the Ministries of Environment, Public Works, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), to see things for ourselves.
“There are palliatives that the government will put in place for now to allay the fears of the people. So, the team went round to look for alternative routes because this place (Olodo Bridge) needs to be shut down for now to prevent loss of lives and properties because it is a very risky zone.
“The suggestion now is that we should shut down and look for alternative routes for people to do their businesses and so far, the best route that we found is about five (5) kilometres. It spans from Wofun Junction through Kute to Olodo Bank. That will be the alternative route where the government will take a palliative measure for now”.
cc: Daily Post Ng
