By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Inspite of the ongoing expansion and reconstruction of Ago-Palace Way, and Okota axis, in Isolo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, being undertaken by Lagos State Government, residents and motorists have once again appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola for his immediate intervention on the deplorable road.

The people want the government to fast track the completion of the project as well as fix inner roads and some huge gullies impeding free flow of traffic along Okota Road.

Okota road

This road is an alternate route for motorists who prefer to avoid the usual traumatic traffic log jam along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, presently under slow paced reconstruction by the Federal Government. It is also beneficial for residents around Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, Ikotun and Jakande Estate especially those working on the Island.

When completed, it will be possible for inbound traffic from as far as FESTAC Town, Amuwo-Odofin, Satellite Town and Mile Two to get quickly to Itire and Yaba areas in about 30-45 minutes. This is possible because of the recently completed Cele-Itire Link Bridge by the state government.

With the rainy season fully here, Ago junction to Cele Expressway, is currently in terrible condition, which not only results in traffic jam but also a great threat to human life and property.

Several times in the past, heavy duty vehicles and tankers have broken down on the road forcing other motorists to use only one lane, coupled with the bad state. Petty traders have taken advantage of the poor state of the road by hawking all sorts of wares, both edibles and non edibles.

Also, majority of drains are blocked with waste and silted materials and therefore make it difficult for water to be retained on asphalted surface of the roads which definitely lead to damage on such sections of the road.

According to Mr. Ekene Johnson, a resident in the area, he spends at least two hours daily getting out from Ago Palace Way to Cele Expressway on his way to the office.

“It is really unfortunate that Ago Palace Way and Okota roads have been neglected for so long. The entire road is in a sorry state especially, when it rains.

“Commuters pay exorbitant fares to their various destinations. A trip that should cost N100 has gone up to N200, that is 100 percent hike. With all these sufferings, the government has turned away their eye from our plights. We are imploring government to come to our aid without further delay.”

Also, a motorist, Mr Akin Adeolu, complained that he had to change his usual short route to a longer route all becuuase he lost his shock absorber twice within three months to the deplorable road.

He lamented: “I have to drive from my Ago-Palace Way residence through Apata way to link Ilasa, connecting Oshodi Road all in attempt to avoid “pit of hell” as it is popularly called, along Okota Way to Cele Expressway. It is horrible.”

Govt reacts

According to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Obafemi Hamzat, at a media briefing recently, in the last one year a total number of 161 roads covering 147,347 kilometres had been completed, while a total of 211 roads are currently under reconstruction.

“We reiterate the fact that we are not unmindful of the needs of several communities, which Okota is one, for high quality roads. As of today we acknowledge the right of every citizen to have such access but roads are not just simple fabrications.

“For a state like Lagos, the challenges of topography, the extensive built up areas that affect delivery dates, weather conditions and the several court cases that arise in the course of executing projects are realities that we contend with as we attempt to deliver our road projects. Nevertheless, we are determined to ensure that we deliver on our mandate. “We also note the remark of phased projects being described as abandoned. Quite a number of our projects are phased such as Ago Palace Way, Ejigbo-Idimu Road among others.

“The length of some roads requires that we break them down to manageable components. This is for administrative and strategic convenience and it is in the overall best interest of the communities where the projects are located.”

Lagos State Public Works, Mr. Gbenga Akintola said: “We have tried in all cases to respond to repair needs on Lagos roads. But this has always been within the confines of our capacity in terms of human and material resources as well as environmental factors mostly beyond our control.

“Due to the rains, we commenced palliative work in August and we have touched more than 105 roads where temporary repair measures are applicable. These portions are to be revisited for proper repairs that will last long at the end of the rains.

“It should be noted however that the introduction of interlocking paving stones method during this period will provide almost permanent respite in some repaired areas.

“We are equally aware that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure is also intensifying effort to complete pockets of road construction projects currently at various parts of Lagos.

“However, the governor has continuously demonstrated his commitment to helping us do better by ensuring better funding for road repair activities, procurement of additional plants and equipment, investing more in human resources and putting to effective use, the Customer Service Center recently established to facilitate the feedback process between us and the public.”

“With anticipated improvement in funds accessibility, we believe that ultimately, repair work can assume a non-stop dimension in the coming months and the face of Lagos roads can finally change for the better.”