When construction work began on the Baba Adisa Junction–Alakun-Elepete Road in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos, residents celebrated what they believed would be the end of years of hardship.

For years, the road had been a source of frustration, especially during the rainy season when large section of the road become flooded and difficult to navigate. The arrival of construction workers and equipment brought hope that relief had finally arrived. That excitement has now disappeared.

Months after work slowed down, residents say the project now appears abandoned, leaving behind an unfinished road that has become even more difficult to use now.

According to Peter Okue, a resident of Baba Adisa, the project initially raised expectations of better days ahead. “We all believe that they will eventually complete the road. No one knows when. But now, they have abandoned it totally. Motorists and even bikes cannot even use the road again,” Okue said. As a result, many residents now trek long distances to reach the nearest junction.

According to residents, stagnant water remains on the road days after rainfall. Okue recently encountered several vehicles trapped in flooded sections while travelling to and from work.

What makes the situation more concerning, he said, is that the water often remains even when it has not rained for days.

Another resident, who requested anonymity, recalled that a signboard erected at the commencement of the project indicated it would be completed within 12 months.

“There is drainage on both sides, but the main road is always flooded when it rains.”

According to him, tricycles can no longer pass through the affected sections, leaving pedestrians as the main users of the route.

“I won’t advise anybody to take a bike on that road because you can be dropped into the water.”

The abandoned project has coincided with another challenge facing residents, rising house rents.

Okue said his annual rent increased from N300,000 to N450,000 after construction work commenced. “It was the road construction that made them increase the rent because the increment happened after they started the road construction.

Almost all the apartments around, the landlords increased the rent.” Despite the unfinished state of the road, tenants continue to pay the higher rates.

Another resident, Alao Yusuf, recalled the excitement that greeted the announcement of the project and the disappointment that followed when work stalled.

According to Yusuf, vehicles frequently get trapped whenever it rains. He added that even light rainfall is enough to flood the road. “The only time drivers get to use the road is when it’s not raining. But any small rain, the place is flooded again.”

In some cases, pumping machines are used to divert water into nearby drainage, but residents say the problem persists.