CSO Seeks Probe Of Osogbo Flyover Structural Defect

A civil society organisation  (CSO), National Citizens’ Advocacy Forum (NCAF), has expressed concern over the structural defects reportedly observed at the Lameco Osogbo Flyover Project.

It called on the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) to constitute an independent panel of civil and structural engineers to conduct a technical audit of the project.

The organisation, in a statement released to journalists in Osogbo yesterday by its director of Operations, Abiola Olawale,  called for a thorough investigation into the project design, construction materials, foundation and sub-base works, compaction methods, drainage systems, quality-control records, and supervisory approvals.

The demanded an investigation into the roles of relevant officials in the Osun State Ministry of Works, particularly senior officials responsible for the supervision, monitoring, inspection, approval, and certification of the project.

According to the group, the purpose of such an investigation should be to establish whether due diligence and all applicable technical and administrative procedures were followed throughout the project.

The group said it has also petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to examine, within its statutory mandate, the procurement and administrative processes surrounding the award and execution of the project, should there be grounds warranting such a review.

They urged the Osun State Ministry of Works to provide a clear technical explanation regarding the materials and methods used in the construction of the flyover, particularly the sub-base materials, compaction procedures, quality-control tests, and measures adopted to ensure the long-term stability and durability of the structure.

The group called for verification of ContraContractors’s professional compliance. It urged the relevant regulatory authorities to verify the professional qualifications, registrations, accreditations, and technical capacities of all contractors and consultants involved in the project, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

They maintained that public infrastructure should be assessed strictly based on safety, quality, durability, professional standards, and value for public money, without political considerations, adding that the people of Osun State deserve infrastructure that is safe, durable, professionally executed, and delivered with full accountability.