A severe downpour on Monday caused widespread flooding in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, and several communities in Ijesaland. The flooding occurred after hours of rainfall, which overwhelmed drainage channels and caused the Osun River to overflow. Residents of affected areas, such as Oke-Arugbo Estate near the Governor's Office, expressed anxiety as the river continued to rise, fearing further flooding could occur.
The flooding has revealed the vulnerability of some road infrastructure in the state, particularly the Ilesa-Ijaregbe link bridge in Obokun Local Government Area. The bridge, which connects Ilesa to Ijebu-Jesa and serves residents of Ijaregbe, Alatise, and neighboring communities, was severely damaged by the floodwaters. A large crater and muddy water now cover the affected section of the road, making it difficult for motorists and motorcycle riders to navigate.
Residents of the affected communities are facing significant disruptions to their daily activities, particularly those who work, trade, or study in Ilesa. The damaged bridge has forced commuters to take longer alternative routes, resulting in increased travel times and higher transport fares. Adewale Alatise, a resident, stated that the collapse of the bridge has created serious hardship for the people, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.
The Osun State Government and relevant agencies have been urged to inspect the affected areas, clear blocked drainage channels, and take preventive measures to protect flood-prone communities. Residents also appealed for the reconstruction of the failed culvert and affected section of the road. Furthermore, they called for strengthened flood-control efforts across Osun, particularly in riverine communities and areas with poor drainage.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the rising water level, stating that the situation was becoming increasingly worrying due to blocked drainage channels and the swollen Osun River. The resident emphasized that if the rain continues, the water from the drainage channels will have nowhere to go, and the consequences could be severe.
Mrs. Funke Adepoju, another resident, appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and other elected representatives to urgently visit the area and assess the damaged culvert. She emphasized that if another heavy rain falls, the situation could become a bigger disaster, and therefore, the government should act promptly to prevent further problems.
The flooding in Osogbo and the damage to the Ilesa-Ijaregbe link bridge have highlighted the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall in the state. Residents are calling for immediate action to control the floodwater, prevent further damage, and reconstruct the affected infrastructure. The government has been urged to prioritize flood-control efforts and address the underlying issues that contribute to flooding in the area.
Key points
- The flooding in Osogbo has caused significant disruptions to daily activities and damaged road infrastructure.
- Residents are calling for urgent intervention from the government to address the flooding and reconstruct damaged infrastructure.
- The state government has been urged to strengthen flood-control efforts across Osun, particularly in riverine communities and areas with poor drainage.
