The Guardian (Nigeria)

Excitement as Lagos flags off reconstruc­tion of Abule- Oja Yaba road

Residents, business owners recount loses

- By Goodness Sunday

THERE was excitement yesterday following Lagos State government’s flag off of the reconstruc­tion of the dilapidate­d Abule Oja community road in Yaba Local Council Developmen­t Area of Lagos.

The road, which cuts across Abudu Street, has been in a state of disrepair for years, prompting protests by the community to draw the attention of the authoritie­s. The Guardian learnt that the road is among the 114 roads approved for reconstruc­tion in the state’s 2024 budget and part of a constituen­cy project done in collaborat­ion with the local council.

State House of Assembly’s representa­tive for Mainland Constituen­cy 2, Adebola Shabi, reportedly sponsored the project.

However, the reconstruc­tion and expansion of the road came with a price following removal of 2.25m and 1.5m structures encroachin­g the drainage channel .

Some residents, who applauded the government’s interventi­on, however, lamented that the road expansion has rendered them homeless as some of them live in their shops to make ends meet.

Some decried the unexpected removal of their structures on the road without prior informatio­n.

One of the community leaders, Rasak Kolawole Osho thanked the government for the developmen­t.

According to him, the community has long been praying for the project.

An elated resident, Queen Aduba, thanked the State government for rememberin­g them, saying her business has severely been affected by the dilapidate­d road.

“When it rains, this place becomes muddy. We do not have access to good roads and our customers could not drive in to partronise us.

 ?? PHOTO: GOODNESS SUNDAY ?? The flag off of the road
PHOTO: GOODNESS SUNDAY The flag off of the road

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