Residents of Aarida Road in Ikotun, Alimosho Local Council of Lagos State, have decried the deplorable condition of their road, saying it has continued to inflict pains on commuters and motorists, leading to constant vehicle damage.

The road, which serves residents, traders and commuters, is riddled with different sizes of potholes and uneven surfaces that make movement difficult for pedestrians, particularly during the rainy season. According to residents, the road has remained in poor condition for several years and continues to deteriorate despite its importance to the community.

Residents also said the poor condition of Aarida Road has affected adjoining routes, including PAP Junction and Alake Road. They noted that Alake Road has been severely affected by erosion and lacks a functional drainage system, resulting in frequent flooding during the rainy season.

Mrs. Veronica Ononye, a resident of Aarida Road, described the condition of the road as discouraging, saying walking from her home to the junction has become difficult. She urged the relevant authorities to rehabilitate the road to make movement easier for residents.

Also, Mrs. Caroline Anwulika, who operates a business along Aarida Road, said the poor condition of the road has affected her business and poses a safety risk. According to her, commercial motorcyclists attempting to avoid potholes sometimes crash into the front of her shop, disrupting business activities and endangering both her and her customers.

Samad Umar, a commercial motorcyclist, said the numerous potholes have resulted in frequent accidents, motorcycle breakdowns and tyre damage. He described the road as a daily challenge for riders who depend on it for their livelihood.

Mr. Michael Okolie, a commercial bus driver, described using the road as “survival of the fittest.” He said he has learned to manoeuvre through the potholes but noted that the poor condition of the road continues to damage vehicle components, including shock absorbers, ball joints and steering linkages, forcing him to carry out frequent repairs.

The President of the Aarida Youth Association, Mr. Taiwo Adedolapo, said some roads within the community were rehabilitated through the efforts of the youth with the support of the Oba of Idimu.

According to him, the community has more than 5,000 residents, making government intervention necessary to address the poor state of the road infrastructure. He appealed to the Lagos State government and other relevant authorities to rehabilitate Aarida Road and provide a functional drainage system for affected areas, particularly Alake Road, to address flooding and improve residents’ living conditions.