Antakiti Community in Osun faces struggles as bridge collapse causes isolation

Residents of Antakiti community in Osogbo, the state capital, are facing significant challenges due to the collapse of a crucial bridge that connected them with neighboring communities. The bridge, located at Ifesowapo Zone 1b, Antakiti, served as a vital link to various zones within the community, affecting economic activities and causing isolation.

The collapsed bridge, which connected Antakiti with Mallam Tope, Aiyekale, Ota-Efun, Oke-Odo, Jesu Wa Laaye, Ori Oke Goshen, Ayeegbami, and Ore Ofe communities, has had severe repercussions on the residents. Economic activities, including transportation of materials for a local nylon company, have been hampered, leading to disruptions in the community’s livelihood.

Despite the community’s efforts to address the issue by contributing funds for repairs, the damage appears to be beyond their capacity. The Treasurer of the Community Development Association (CDA), Hammed Raheem, expressed the community’s frustration, stating that numerous appeals to both local and state governments have yielded no positive response.

The Atayese of Antakiti, Olalekan Muibi, emphasized the persistent attempts by the Baale of the community, Mojeed Olayiwola, to draw government attention to the collapsed bridge. However, he acknowledged the challenges of obtaining swift solutions in the current state of the country.

The situation has created an urgent need for government intervention to restore the bridge, alleviate the economic strain on the community, and reconnect Antakiti with neighboring areas.