RESIDENTS of Capitol/Oke-Koto area of Agege, Lagos State and other road users can now heave a sigh of relief with the completion of the road project, eight years after its take-off.

For three years, The Guardian had exclusively reported the challenge motorists face using the road.

Being a flood-prone area, the idea of constructing the drainage was conceived in 2008. The initiative was accepted, as it raised hope that the days of complaints had been
numbered. But for seven year, the project stood abandoned, until Governor Akinwunmi Ambode took the bold step to put smiles on the faces of residents of that community.

It was learnt that the project, initially funded by the World Bank, took-off at the Capitol area, in 2008, and stopped abruptly at Oniwaya junction, following withdrawal of sponsorship. It was taken over by the Lagos State government, but work dragged for years, leading to further pains on the people of the area.

When rain falls, the 6 by 10 feet drainage overflows and water pours into homes, business premises and worship centres, destroying property. According to sources, the abandoned project claimed three casualties, who fell into the drainage and were pierced to death by protruding iron rods.

The road also left its mark on the wear and tear of vehicles, crippling free flow of traffic. For the years the project was left abandoned, the people living there took it upon themselves to make the road accessible and stem the threat of flooding. For instance, a canal-like opening in front of the mosque along the road was partially covered through the effort of worshippers. Also, members of the Community Development Association (CDA) facilitated access to many shops and houses, whose entrances had been dug and left open during the construction.