The drainage system running through Ikosi Road, from Toll Gate to Ketu Bus Stop in Lagos, has become dangerous and a death trap for residents, pedestrians, and even motorists plying that corridor. With missing and damaged slabs, along with exposed iron rods, the gutters have become hazardous to residents and visitors to that area.
Over the years, the neglected state of the drainage system has caused many accidents, including tragic deaths.
The drainage system no doubt was part of government’s project to address flooding. The wastewaterway was designed to channel rainwater away from the streets and homes.

However, years of neglect have left the system in terrible shape. The slabs that once covered the gutter have broken or went missing, leaving wide open holes. Many parts of the drainage are now exposed, and the iron rods inside the available concrete slabs stick out dangerously. These rods are especially dangerous at night when visibility is low or commuter with poor sights.

The poor state of the drainage system has affected daily life in Ketu. Parents warn their children to stay far from the gutter. Traders who display their wares near the road have to keep an eye on customers and ensure no one trips or falls. Motorists and motorcyclists avoid driving too close to the edge for fear of accidents.

A resident, Mr. Seyi Adekunle, who lives along Ikosi Road, explained how the drainage has caused numerous accidents. “This gutter is a death trap. People have fallen into it, and lives have been lost. I remember an incident where some people coming from a party at night fell into the gutter.”

Another resident, Mrs. Bose Alabi, described the daily struggles people face because of the drainage. “Visitors can’t see the open slabs. I have seen people trip and fall, and one motorcyclist fell inside because he couldnot see the open spot in time. It is very scary, especially for children and the elderly,” she noted.

While waiting for the government to act, some residents have tried to minimise the danger themselves. They have placed wooden planks or temporary covers over the open spots, but these are not strong enough to support some weight of persons and luggage and as a result often break.

“Every time we complain, they tell us they will fix it, but nothing happens,” said another resident. “We pay taxes, but what do we get in return? The government needs to do its job.”

Bada acknowledged the problem and assured listeners that steps would be taken to repair the drainage and replace the missing slabs.

With no work done on the gutter months later, residents feel abandoned by the government. “We were hopeful when the chairman spoke on the radio. But now it is clear they donot care. How many more people need to get hurt before they take action?”Adekunle stated.

Months after no work was done despite the chairman’s promise, she was confronted again.

Asked about the lack of progress, in a-360 degree change of position, Bada explained that the drainage system falls under the jurisdiction of the Lagos State government, and not the council.

“It is not in our own jurisdiction,” she said. “It is a state project, and we have written to the state government. They said they would be coming to fix it. All we can do is to intervene,”Bada further stated.

As a result of the new position of the council chairman, The Guardian contacted the Director, Public affairs, Ministry of Drainage and Environmental Services, Kunle Adesina.

He said work was stopped on the drainage, along with many others in Lagos State, last year owing to payment issues.

He, however, assured that once the Lagos State government signs the new budget, the Ikosi Road drainage would be among the first sets of projects to be addressed. “The contractors will move back to work immediately after the budget is approved,” he stated.