From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo.
There is anger among residents Oyo town over the non-completion of the multi-billion Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology Teaching Hospital annexe by the contractors.
Former Governor Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State, had during his tenure promised the people of his administration’s determination to establish the LAUTECH
Teaching Hospital complex in the ancient town.
The purported impeachment of Ladoja, which led to the reinstatement of his then deputy, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, however, dashed the people’s hopes.
This is because Otunba Alao-Akala reversed the decision of his boss, and directed that the teaching hospital complex be relocated to Ogbomoso, his country home.
To douse tension and calm frayed nerves, Alao-Akala
again pledged to the people that an annexe of the teaching hospital would be established in Oyo town.
During the foundation laying ceremony, the people were elated and took the former governor for his words, only to have their hope dashed again.
Investigation by our correspondent to the site of the teaching
hospital annexe located within the premises of the State Hospital, Oyo, revealed that besides the roofing and outside paintings of the two-storey building, no other work has been carried out.
Also, doors and windows were neither fitted, nor electrical appliances
installed.
Works on the elevators were yet to begin, just as inside paintings of
the buildings have not been done.
No worker was seen at the site, as it was completely deserted, but occupied by dangerous reptiles like snakes.
This is happening at a time when the state hospital is facing acute shortage accommodation for patients.
Some of the residents expressed dismay at the development, describing the non-completion of the project as a
‘collosal loss’.
“In spite of our unalloyed support for his administration, should this
be our portion of appreciation? This is unfair and unacceptable. We
want the present administration in the state to wade into the matter,
with a view to ensuring that the abandoned billion naira project does
not go down the drain.”
It was, however, gathered the Oyo Metropolitan Development Association (an umbrella body of all indigenes in the metropolis) has intensified efforts to compel the state government to finish the project.
Chairman of the Association, retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, confirmed this to Freedom Online.
