The Ogun State Government has blamed the recent wash-off of a section of the Car Wash–Moore Junction Road in Abeokuta on indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels by residents.
The government, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said preliminary investigations showed that waste materials blocked drainage channels, preventing the free flow of stormwater during a heavy rainfall and ultimately causing damage to the road.
The statement dismissed claims that the incident was caused by poor construction or the use of substandard materials, insisting that the drainage system attached to the road was adequately designed to accommodate stormwater runoff.
According to the government, the accumulation of refuse in the drains created artificial blockages, leading to a buildup of water pressure that undermined the affected section of the road.
“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 read.
The government further stated that all materials used for the construction of the road passed rigorous quality tests and met the required engineering standards.
It added that the contractor handling the project is a reputable construction firm with a track record of delivering quality infrastructure projects across the state.
Akinmade disclosed that the contractor, in collaboration with engineers from the Ogun State Ministry of Works, had commenced a comprehensive assessment of the damaged section of the road.
He noted that remedial works would begin immediately after the evaluation to restore the road and ensure the safety of motorists and other road users.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to providing and maintaining critical infrastructure but stressed that residents must also play their part in protecting public assets.
It warned that dumping refuse into drainage channels contributes to flooding, environmental degradation, public health challenges, destruction of infrastructure and avoidable expenditure of public funds.
The government therefore called on communities, market associations, transport unions, religious organisations and residents’ groups to support environmental sanitation efforts by sensitising their members to the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal.
It also urged residents to report anyone caught dumping refuse into drains to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
The statement added that the government would continue to intensify public awareness campaigns while taking proactive measures to safeguard lives, property and public investments across the state.
