Lagos residents lament as drainage project drags into fourth year

Residents of Princess Abiola Adeniyi Street in Lagos State's Idimu area have expressed frustration over the prolonged construction of a drainage project that began four years ago. The initial six-month contract has dragged on, causing disruptions to social and economic activities in the community. Construction work is ongoing near Oba Amusa Avenue, with a caterpillar visible, but contractors have repeatedly abandoned the project for extended periods.

This has left the road impassable, causing significant inconvenience for residents and business owners. Initially, the project was seen as a solution to flooding issues, but the slow pace of construction has worsened the problem, as water now flows into residents' homes during rain. One resident, Abimbola Sanni, described the situation as "miserable" and expressed disappointment with the government's lack of response to their complaints.

Another resident, Tunji Are, lamented that the project has exposed the community to even greater flooding difficulties. The construction has also affected driveways, making it difficult for residents to move their vehicles. A landlord, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, revealed he had been unable to drive his vehicle out of his compound for over a year.

A business owner, Anslem, said his shop, once bustling with customers, now struggles to attract foot traffic due to the lack of easy access. The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has acknowledged the delay, attributing it to variations in the project that necessitated a budget review. However, they assure residents that completion is imminent.