The Road Is Terrible, Will Worsen With Rain’ – Lagos Residents Lament Over ‘Abandoned’ Project
The Road Is Terrible, Will Worsen With Rain’ – Lagos Residents Lament Over ‘Abandoned’ Project
Residents of Abiru and surrounding communities in Lagos have raised alarm over the worsening condition of a major road project they say has been abandoned for months, warning that the situation could deteriorate further as the rainy season approaches.
The road, which connects several residential areas and serves as a key route for commuters, traders, and commercial transport operators, has reportedly been under construction for an extended period with little to no visible progress. Locals say the poor state of the road has disrupted daily life, increased transportation costs, and posed serious safety risks.
“This road is terrible. If rain starts, it will be worse than this,” said a resident who has lived in the area for over a decade. “Cars get stuck every day, and sometimes people have to push vehicles out of the mud. It is affecting our businesses and our health.”
Residents described the road as riddled with deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and muddy patches that make movement difficult, especially during rainfall. Commercial drivers operating along the route said they have suffered frequent vehicle breakdowns, leading to higher repair costs and reduced income.
“Passengers complain every time. Some refuse to come to this area because of the road,” a commercial bus driver said. “Fuel consumption has increased because we drive slowly, and our vehicles are damaged. The government needs to act fast.”
Community members also expressed concern about pedestrians, particularly children and elderly residents, who struggle to navigate the road. During heavy rains, some sections reportedly become flooded, making it nearly impassable.
“We are worried about accidents. People can fall, motorcycles can slip, and emergency vehicles may not reach us on time,” another resident said. “It feels like we have been forgotten.”
The project, which residents believe was initiated to improve infrastructure and boost connectivity, has reportedly stalled without clear communication from the authorities. Some locals claim construction equipment and workers have been absent for weeks, fueling speculation that the project has been abandoned.
Civil society groups and community leaders have called on the Lagos State Government and relevant contractors to provide updates on the project’s status and timeline for completion. They urged authorities to prioritize the road, especially ahead of the peak rainy season, to prevent further deterioration.
Infrastructure experts note that unfinished road projects can worsen quickly when exposed to heavy rainfall, leading to erosion, flooding, and increased repair costs. They recommend immediate intervention, including temporary drainage solutions and resurfacing, to mitigate damage.
As residents continue to endure the difficult conditions, many say they feel frustrated and neglected. “We pay taxes and levies, but basic infrastructure is still a problem,” a local trader said. “All we want is a good road so we can live and work in peace.”
The Lagos State Government has yet to release an official statement on the Abiru road project, but residents hope that renewed public attention will prompt swift action.
