The Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) has pledged sustained road maintenance efforts, despite persistent rainfall disrupting infrastructure across the state.

The corporation said that although weeks of relentless rain have left many roads riddled with potholes and stagnant waters, its engineers have remained on the ground, carrying out emergency repairs to keep roads safe and motorable.

For thousands of motorists and residents, the corporation’s interventions have become a critical lifeline during one of the year’s wettest periods.

The General Manager of the LSPWC, Tokunbo Ajanaku, an engineer, said the agency has remained committed to its mandate despite the operational challenges posed by the prolonged rains, which have accelerated the deterioration of road infrastructure across the state.

According to him, while the persistent downpour has made permanent asphalt repairs technically impossible in many locations, the corporation has adopted temporary engineering solutions to maintain road accessibility until dry weather returns.

“The current weather conditions demand a different maintenance approach.

“Asphalt overlay and other permanent pavement works require dry conditions to guarantee durability and value for public investment.

“Until then, we are concentrating on emergency interventions, palliative repairs and other engineering measures that ensure roads remain serviceable,” Ajanaku said.

He noted that the challenges are not unique to Lagos, pointing out that cities around the world have experienced flooding and infrastructure damage due to increasingly severe weather conditions.

However, he explained that Lagos faces additional pressure because much of the state lies below sea level, making its roads particularly vulnerable to flooding and groundwater seepage.

Over the past four weeks, the corporation has undertaken maintenance works across the state’s 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.

Completed projects include sectional asphalt overlays on Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue in Eti-Osa and Ikorodu Road near Anthony Bus Stop, as well as maintenance works on Funsho Williams Avenue in Surulere.

The agency also deployed interlocking paving stones on Akilo Road in Agege, sections of Ikorodu Road in Shomolu, and Kodesoh Road in Ikeja.

Palliative repairs using boulders were carried out on Capitol Road by Alfa Nla and Old Abeokuta Road in Agege, Alaba International Road in Ojo, and the Addo-Badore and Ogombo roads in Eti-Osa.

Routine maintenance was also sustained along the Ikorodu Road corridor in Kosofe and Mushin.

Ajanaku attributed the corporation’s prompt response to the continued support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, whose backing, he said, has ensured the timely release of funds and strengthened collaboration among government agencies responsible for infrastructure.

He also acknowledged the strategic guidance of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr Olufemi Daramola, for coordinating technical initiatives aimed at improving road conditions across Lagos.

The LSPWC boss assured residents that engineers are monitoring roads daily and responding to emerging defects wherever weather conditions permit.

He added that comprehensive and permanent repairs would commence immediately after the rains subside.

While thanking Lagos residents for their patience and understanding, Ajanaku appealed for greater public cooperation in protecting road infrastructure.

He urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels, burning tyres on road surfaces, trading on walkways and road shoulders, spilling petroleum products on roads, carrying out unauthorised road excavations, and vandalising manhole covers, warning that such activities significantly shorten the lifespan of public infrastructure.

He also encouraged members of the public to report damaged roads and other infrastructure emergencies through the Lagos State Public Works Corporation’s dedicated emergency hotlines, assuring residents that all reports would receive prompt attention.