As work gradually begins on the reconstruction of the Baale Animashaun Road drainage in Alakuko, Ijaiye-Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), many residents and people from adjoining communities have expressed concerns that the intervention may end with only drainage reconstruction while the failed road itself remains abandoned. Residents say the deteriorated condition of the road has gone beyond temporary fixes or partial projects, as years of neglect have turned this major link road into a nightmare for commuters and businesses alike.
Residents Call for Complete Reconstruction
While acknowledging the importance of proper drainage, residents maintain that only a total road reconstruction can restore economic activities, improve transportation, and bring lasting relief to the community. Comrade Abayomi Oguntuase, a resident, noted that there is no time one drives through the road without visiting a mechanic’s workshop. He pointed out that before the reconstruction of the drainage started, the road was patched with large stones that punctured tires.
“The neglect of that road affects business negatively because commuters no longer drive through the road, preferring to use alternative routes, which results in low patronage for shop owners in the community,” Oguntuase said. He appealed to the state government not to limit the ongoing efforts to just reconstructing the drainage but to ensure the total rehabilitation of Baale Animashaun Road in Alakuko Area, Ijaiye-Ojokoro LCDA.
Road Links Lagos to Ogun State
Oguntuase emphasized the road’s importance: “Baale Animashaun Road is a very long road. This road is very important because it links Lagos to Ogun State and adjoining communities. Whenever there is a problem on the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway, Baale Animashaun Road serves as an alternative route for motorists heading to Ogun State from Lagos. This is why the Lagos State government should intervene.”
Another resident, Wahab Ade Makinde, described driving on the road as a nightmare in recent times. “It is an experience that keeps reminding one of the increasing distances between the government and the infrastructural facilities they are elected to protect and build. The road, undoubtedly, represents the most crucial one around Alakuko. It connects the Lagos expressway with other inner roads. Before our eyes, the road became the most traumatic one. From poor conception to improper drainage, to abandonment, it is pathetic.” Makinde also appealed to the government to come to the rescue of residents and motorists. “This traumatizing state of Baale Animashaun Road must be put under complete rehabilitation. We want them to come to our aid. We are not happy.”
Vehicles Damaged by Bad Road
Alhaji Lasisi Faseun, Chairman of the Yusuf Akinde Estate Association, said his car’s shock absorber and steering rack have been badly damaged on several occasions due to the bad road. He called for urgent intervention by the government to fix the road and alleviate the plight of residents.
According to Pastor David Bakare, many car owners living in the community have abandoned their vehicles, preferring to use public transportation. “Meanwhile, the public vehicle owners or drivers who take the risk of using their vehicles on that road have increased the transport fare to an exorbitant amount, which is unbearable for the passengers. Also, going out very early or coming back home late is now a risk for the residents living in the community at large because hoodlums have taken advantage of the bad road to operate.”
Bakare implored the government to fix the road with asphalt as a lasting solution for a good and solid road, as another rainy season is here before the road becomes a deadly trap for road users. “The community and the residents cannot afford to see a total collapse of the road so as not to add to the hardship on the economy of the community,” Bakare stated.
