Heavy Rainfall Wreck Havoc In Abeokuta, Washes Away Newly Constructed Roads, Collapses Classrooms ......As Ogun Govt Blames Blocked Drainage, Indiscriminate Waste Disposal

Heavy rainfall has wrecked havoc in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as several roads were taken over by the flood.

The flooding was recorded in several areas in the city including Isale Ake, Asero-Obantoko, Olorunsogo-Abiola way, among others.

The downpour also affected a section of the Car Wash–Moore Junction Road and a section of just reconstructed Elega-Miliki road, both in Abeokuta.

NEWSREPORTER observed that the affected parts of the two new roads were washed away.

Another effect of the rainfall is the collapse of a block of classroom at Asero High School, also in metropolis.

During the rainfall, a yet to identified middle-age commercial motorcyclist narrowly escape being swept away by the flood.

The okada rider while attempting to retrieve his motorcycle from the flood had to clutch into a perimeter fence to survive the tragic incident.

However, his okada was swept away without any help in sight.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has attributed the recent wash-off of a section of the Car Wash–Moore Junction Road in Abeokuta to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels by residents, warning that such practices pose serious threats to public infrastructure and community safety.

The government said preliminary findings revealed that waste materials dumped into drains obstructed the free flow of stormwater during a recent heavy rainfall, leading to a buildup of water pressure that eventually undermined the affected section of the road.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, said the government dismissed suggestions that the incident resulted from poor construction or the use of substandard materials.

Akinmade added that the drainage infrastructure attached to the road was properly designed to accommodate stormwater runoff, but the accumulation of refuse created artificial blockages that prevented water from flowing freely.

He added that all materials used for the construction of the road underwent rigorous quality tests and met, and in some cases exceeded, the required engineering standards.

According to him, the contractor handling the project is a reputable construction firm with many years of experience and a proven record of delivering quality infrastructure projects.

"The incident was not caused by any defect in the road construction. Investigations point to the blockage of drainage channels by refuse dumped indiscriminately by residents, which prevented the free flow of water and led to the damage recorded after the heavy rainfall," the statement said.

Akinmade said the contractor, alongside engineers from the Ogun State Ministry of Works, is currently on-site carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the damage.

He further stated that following the evaluation, immediate remedial works will commence to restore the affected section of the road and ensure the safety and convenience of road users.

While reaffirming the government's commitment to the provision and maintenance of critical infrastructure across the state, Akinmade stressed that residents also have a responsibility to protect public assets.

He, however, warned that dumping refuse into drainage channels contributes not only to the destruction of roads but also to flooding, environmental degradation, public health risks, destruction of property and avoidable expenditure of public resources.

The governor aide called on communities, market associations, transport unions, religious organisations and residents' groups to support environmental sanitation efforts and sensitise their members on the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal.

He also urged residents to report individuals or groups caught dumping waste into drains to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

According to him, protecting public infrastructure requires collective responsibility and cooperation from all stakeholders, adding that it would continue to take proactive measures to safeguard lives, property and public investments across the state.

Akinmade assured the public of Ogun State Government commitment in ensuring the prompt rehabilitation of the affected road while intensifying public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.