Kosofe Local Government is facing sharp criticism from residents of Ifako over a poorly executed drainage project. Concerns have been raised regarding the quality and safety of the construction, which has been deemed unacceptable by local experts and residents alike.
Engineer Orebola Oresanwo, a respected resident of Ifako, has voiced significant concerns over the substandard work being carried out by the contractor hired by the Kosofe Local Government. In a detailed statement, Engineer Oresanwo highlighted several critical issues:
- Substandard Rebars: The rebars used in the project do not meet the required size specifications, and the spacing between them is insufficient.
- Lack of Formwork: The construction lacks proper formwork, which is essential for ensuring the structural integrity of the drainage system.
- Inadequate Depth: The rebars only extend halfway down the depth of the drain, compromising its stability and effectiveness.
"If a private contractor did this for a private client, the government would pull it down," said Engineer Oresanwo. "Now a private contractor is doing this for the government as a client, and it is considered acceptable. This isn't fair at all."
Residents fear that the current state of the drainage project represents a significant waste of taxpayers' money and a potential hazard. Using buildings as an analogy, Engineer Oresanwo pointed out that if similar standards were applied to a building project, the Lagos State Buildings Control Agency would have sealed the site or demolished the works.
Something has to be done," Engineer Oresanwo asserted. "This is a waste of taxpayers' money."
Adding to the frustration of the community is the silence of key local and national representatives. The council Chairman,
Moyo Ogunlewe, and the National Assembly representative for Kosofe Local Government,
Kafilat Ogbara, who have both been contacted have remained notably silent on the issue. Their lack of response has been described as "gross irresponsibility" by concerned residents who feel abandoned in their time of need.
In contrast, Somolu's Federal Constituency Representative,
Ademorin Kuye, has risen to the occasion, addressing the concerns of Ifako residents and calling for immediate corrective measures. Kuye's proactive stance has been welcomed by the community, who are eager for accountability and action.
The discontent among Ifako residents is growing as they call for immediate action from Kosofe Local Government to rectify the issues and hold the contractor accountable. There is a strong demand for stringent quality control measures and transparency in the execution of public projects to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the local government to see how they will address these serious allegations and restore public trust in their commitment to community development and safety.
