As work gradually begins on the reconstruction of Baale Animashaun Road drainage in Alakuko, Ijaiye-Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), many residents of the area and adjoining communities have expressed fear that the intervention may end with drainage reconstruction while the failed road itself remains abandoned.

Residents say the deteriorated condition of the road has gone beyond temporary fixes or partial projects, as years of neglect have turned the major link road into a nightmare for commuters and businesses alike. While acknowledging the importance of proper drainage, they maintain that only a total road reconstruction can restore economic activities, improve transportation, and bring lasting relief to the community.

Commenting, a resident, Comrade Abayomi Oguntuase noted that there is no time one drives through the road without visiting a mechanic’s workshop.

He noted that before the reconstruction of the drainage started, the road was patched with big, stones that were puncturing tyres.

“The neglect of that road affects business negatively because commuters no longer drive through the road, preferring to use alternative routes which results in low patronages for shop owner in the community.”

Oguntuase appealed to the state government not to limit the ongoing efforts to just reconstructing the drainage but total rehabilitation Of Baale Animashaun, Road in Alakuko Area, Ijaiye-Ojokoro LCDA.

“Baale Animashaun Road is a very long road. This road is very important because it links Lagos to Ogun State and adjoining communities. Whenever there’s a problem on the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway, Baale Animashaun Road serves as alternative route for motorists heading to Ogun State from Lagos. This is why Lagos State government should intervene.”

Another resident, Wahab Ade Makinde, said driving on the road is a nightmare in recent time. “It is an experience that keeps reminding one of the increasing distances between the government and the infrastructural facilities they are elected to protect and build. The road, undoubtedly, represents the most crucial one around Alakuko. It connects the Lagos expressway with other inner roads.

“Before our eyes the road became the most traumatic one. From poor conception to improper drainage, to abandonment, it is pathetic.”

Makinde also appealed to the government to come to the rescue residents and motorists. “This traumatizing state of Bale Animashaun road must be put under complete rehabilitation. We want them to come to our aid. We are not happy.”

Also, the Chairman Yusuf Akinde Estate Association, Alhaji Lasisi Faseun, said his car shock absorber and steering rack have badly damaged on occasions due to the bad road. He called for urgent intervention by the government to fix the road and alleviate the plight of residents.

According to Pastor David Bakare, many car owners living in the community have abandoned vehicles preferring to use public transportation. “Meanwhile the public vehicle owners or drivers who take the risk of using their vehicles on that road have increase the transport fare to an exorbitant amount which is unbearable to the passengers.

“Also, going out very early or coming back home late is now a risk for the residents living in the community at large because the hoodlums have taken advantage of the bad road to operate.”

Bakare implored the government to fix the road with asphalt as a lasting solution for a good and solid road as another raining season is here before the road becomes a deadly trap for the road users.

“The community and the residents can not afford to see a total collapse of the road so as not to be added to the hardship on the economy of the community, Bakare stated”