Despite efforts by the Lagos State government to ensure free movement of traffic across the metropolis, nature has been making the gesture a Herculean task, as many roads that were put in good order few months ago are now becoming impassable.
A large section of Lagos residents have been facing serious traffic gridlock for close to three months as a result of ceaseless downpour, and have thus, called council authorities across the state to come to the rescue by complementing efforts by the state government.
The call become imperative in view of the fact that despite the efforts by the government, especially, the Lagos State Public Works Agency, the number of roads calling for attention are so enormous, hence contribution by local governments would bridge the gap, so reason the populace.
For close to two months that Lagos has been hit with heavy downpour, residents have two major problems to contend with: flood and bad roads.
A visit by the Nigerian Tribune to places like Ikorodu-Itoikin, Mile-12-Ketu, Molajoye in Epe to Mutaku, revealed roads that were terribly dilapidated, and this is despite efforts being put in place by the Lagos Public Works Corporation.
In Lekki-Epe axis, smooth movement stopped immediately one gets to Sangotedo, Lakowe, Okegun Elerangbe, among others.
Similar situation exits in Akute, Ojodu Berger inner roads, Mosafejo and other places. Needless to talk about Apapa, where attention is currently focused by the Federal Government.
However, one of the spots that has negative telling effect are Parafa-Ile-Epo Oba portion in Ikorodu and Mile-12-Ketu, which on daily basis caused traffic gridlock.
Commuters who spoke with Nigerian Tribune, were of the view that coming from Ikorodu and taking a detour from Itamaga, enroute Ipakodo to avoid Ike Epo Oba-garage, is another costly decision.
“For instance for the past three weeks, from new Lagos boat terminus to Lagos Road has been in a serious dilapidated form.
“Sincerely, it’s time the local governments take the responsibility of mending roads, because to me, it will be too much to expect Lagos State government to attend to more than 5,000 roads, across the state”, said Alhaji Lateef Odumosu, a civil engineer.
Ikorodu to Ketu would not ordinarily, take more than maximum of 40 minutes, regardless of any nuisance created by commercial drivers who have no or little regards for traffic regulation.
“But for the past one month or more, traffic used to build up right from OwodeElede, without respite until when you get to ketu.
“Unfortunately at Ketu bus stop, there are craters and pot holes that required palliative measure. But we don’t know what officials are doing. We stay more than one hour every morning”, testified Morris Okoro, a motorist living in Ikorodu.
Coming from Ijebu-Ode or Epe, there are lot of cracked spots that are calling for attention. Coincidentally, Imota, where Lagos state asphalt plant is located is not free of deep pot holes. The situation stretches from there to Maya, Adamo, Parafa, Luck Fibre area of Ikorodu, up to Ile Epo Oba garage, sometimes spending 30 or more minutes on daily basis.
“In essence, most of us working in Lagos must leave home as early as 5am to ensure we get to our respective places of work.
“Weekends are not fair better. At Ketu bus stop, there are cracks here and there slowing down vehicular movements, thus, creating traffic chaos”, said Michael Adigun, a commuter, who was wondering whether traffic officials made the situation on the road known to the appropriate authority.
Commuters also expressed how the condition of the roads is affecting vehicles, apart from traffic jam.
“These days, vehicles’ shockabsorbers, exhaustive pipes and other parts of the vehicle are now require constant need for repair or replacement!”, said some vehicle owners who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune last week.
and then