PDP knocks Abiodun Govt over ‘loss of lives’ on Sagamu-Abeokuta highway

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has said it is really disturbed over what it called “the consistent loss of lives”on the Sagamu-Abeokuta highway as a result of high rate of motor accidents.”

According to the PDP, “this ugly and sad development is caused by the complete closure of a full stretch of one side of the road from Sagamu interchange to Kobape junction, leaving motorists to ply only one side for both ways.”

The PDP was of the view that the only lane being used by motorists is “too narrow to easily contain both vehicles, which include articulated and heavy vehicles.”

Ottagistreel reports that the Sagamu-Abeokuta highway is being reconstructed by the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led government at the moment.

On Thursday, Gov Abiodun said he inspected the progress of work on the reconstruction project.

The Governor said he was glad to announce that engineers are already laying the first binding course of asphalt on the major road.

He disclosed that he charged the contractor to speed up work and lay the wearing course, “so that we may reduce the inconvenience faced by road users.”

But, reacting in a statement made available to Ottagistreel on Monday, the Ogun PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Akinloye Bankole, said, “the palliative measure that is erroneously called road construction has been awarded to a contractor whose competence is doubtful going by the snail speed with which the work is being handled.”

Bankole said the contractor ought to have learnt from renowned construction companies on how to close such a stretch of road in parts.

“For us, the slow pace of work on this road readily confirms the extent of levity and insensitivity which has become an official trademark of the ruling government in the ways it handles the collective welfare and well-being of the people right from its inception,” the PDP stressed.

The PDP, priding itself as a responsive pro-people party, challenged the ruling government and its contractors to hasten up the pace of work.

This, the party said will help to check the daily occurrence of multiple car crashes resulting in “avoidable loss of lives, loss of properties and painful loss of businesses by the people.”

“Lastly, our great party is deeply sad that under the insensitive watch of the ruling government, significant public infrastructure such as this road has become a “Death Path” and if care is not taken, given the sluggish attitudes of the ruling government, works on this road may linger for another one year,” the statement read