The Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Afeez Balogun, has flagged off the construction of a 1.266-kilometre road and the rehabilitation of the Isale-Oja Kuto Bridge as part of efforts to address persistent flooding in the Kuto area.

Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Mr Balogun said the project was aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting development in Kuto and surrounding communities within Abeokuta.

Residents and community stakeholders said the intervention was long overdue, noting that Kuto and its Isale-Oja suburb have experienced severe flooding for over 20 years, especially during the rainy season.

They attributed the problem to inadequate infrastructure and years of neglect, despite the road’s importance to local economic activities.

Community leaders also recalled that the road was initially constructed during the administration of former governor Olusegun Osoba, but subsequent efforts failed to provide a lasting solution.

The residents expressed optimism that the new project, under the administration of Dapo Abiodun, would bring lasting relief.

They also urged authorities to extend the road project to Isabo to further improve movement of people and goods.

Mr Balogun said the initiative fulfils his campaign promises and forms part of broader plans to improve infrastructure across the local government.

He added that the council plans to remodel Kuto Market after the road project is completed to ease congestion and enhance accessibility.

The chairman also called on market leaders and residents to work with environmental sanitation officials to ensure proper maintenance and prevent future flooding.

Earlier, the Supervisor for Works, Abidemi Lawal, said the project was designed to tackle flooding challenges and improve traffic flow in the area. He assured that qualified professionals had been engaged and that the project would be completed within six weeks.