Residents decry slow pace of Ogun community road project

Residents and traders along the Imedu-Olori Road in Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of the ongoing road construction. The project, facilitated by Senator Solomon Adeola, began approximately a month ago but has seen little active work, causing significant disruption to local businesses and daily life.

“

The day it rained, there was nowhere to pass. We had to use a small pathway after closing for the day. Although work has started, the way I see the progress of the construction, it seems like one that won’t be completed till December. They are not serious about it.

The condition of the road has made movement difficult, particularly for motorcyclists and their passengers, who often have to disembark to avoid accidents. Residents report that the road becomes nearly impassable during rainfall, forcing them to use small pathways. Traders lament that the poor state of the road deters potential customers, negatively affecting their businesses. Some estimate the project may not be completed until December, expressing concerns about the seriousness of the construction efforts.

“

I can go to school during the rainy season, but I have to wear slippers because the rain will affect my socks and shoes.

Adding to the delays, a recent incident involving a dispute among construction workers reportedly halted progress. One trader alleged that a misunderstanding led to workers being taken to the police station. In response, Kayode Odunaro, spokesperson for Senator Adeola, stated that the senator facilitates projects but does not directly oversee them. He explained that construction projects have timelines and funding processes that residents might not fully understand, urging patience and cautioning against concluding the project is abandoned. He emphasized that it is all part of the construction process.

“

Yesterday, they had a misunderstanding among themselves, so that was why they stopped work. One of them called their boss, reporting another worker because he refused to run an errand, and the boss said anyone who refused to run an errand should be sacked. That’s how the problem started, and they all had to be taken to the police station.