Residents of Mushin have commended the Chairman of the Local Council, Haruna Olatunbosun Haruwe, for the ongoing road construction project near Olosa bus stop.

The project, which involves the demolition of parts of some buildings to allow road expansion, will deliver an interlocked road with streetlights and covered drainage, according to the engineer in charge, Mr Bankole.

He explained that residents were informed before work began. “We gave them an awareness by marking how many metres we will be going into their compound,” he said.

Some residents who spoke to The Guardian expressed gratitude despite the temporary inconveniences. A pharmacist, Kunle Olayemi, whose building was affected, said he was not worried because the project would add value to properties in the area. “It affects me, but it doesn’t matter because when they do it, the road will be wider and they are going to put street lights so the value of the property here goes up, the rent goes up, and proper drainage will be done,” he said.

He noted that only those who built too close to the road were heavily affected. “People who didn’t give enough allowance are the ones who are directly affected. This building is supposed to go down. When I was building my three-storey building, I moved back totally so even if they pull down the fence it won’t affect me because I gave enough allowance,” he added.

Another pharmacist, Patience, described the development as good but lamented its impact on her business. “It’s affecting me now because people who want to buy from us will not see a road to pass because of the blockage. I thought they would first clear the sand they bring out before doing the second one, but they blocked the road totally. You know old men cannot pass this place, neither can old women; only people with strength can pass through,” she said.

A trader, Oluwayemisi Alarape, stated that the project was for the benefit of the community, although sales were being affected. “It’s not affecting us because we know that when they are done with the project, we will be the ones to enjoy it.

Though the construction is really affecting sales, we urge the government to make this construction snappy,” she said.

Another trader, Jay Peters, urged residents to look beyond the temporary difficulties. “The construction affects everybody, but in the meantime, it is for the betterment of the community. If you are talking about today, what about tomorrow? Tomorrow will be better than today,” he said.