Residents, commuters lament over unfinished road project in Agbado Crossing
The unfinished bridge and road project in Agbado Crossing has become a source of frustration for local residents, business owners, and motorists, particularly the Okada riders who depend on these roads for their livelihood.
The project, which was initiated by former Ogun State Governor Sen Ibikunle Amosun, has been incomplete for over a decade, leading to severe flooding and transportation challenges every time it rains.
During a recent interview with our correspondent, an anonymous Okada rider voiced the community’s distress, stating that the dilapidated road has not only been affecting transportation businesses due to constant haggling over fares but also has been exacerbated by the government’s removal of fuel subsidies.
The situation has deteriorated to the point where car owners are unable to use their vehicles, and the cost of motorcycle chains has more than doubled, soaring from 3,000 to 7,000 Naira.
However, the deplorable road conditions have forced some Okada riders to opt for installment payments to repair their damaged motorcycles.
The community is witnessing a decline in its population as residents move away due to the inaccessible roads, which also become extremely dusty during dry periods, posing additional health risks.
The anonymous Okada rider, speaking on behalf of the community, made an earnest plea to the current Ogun State government for urgent intervention.
The residents of Agbado Crossing are calling for the completion of the road and bridge project to alleviate their suffering and to prevent further economic decline in the area.
One Prince Bunmi Odumela, who is a tricycle rider said in his words, “Imagine human living and working in this kind of dispatch place, just imagine working in this condition and the government is receiving and requesting for expensive amount of tax, N1,200 everyday, with those tax being paid we won’t still get the best thing as a citizen.
“We are not happy about this situation at all, the bad road is damaging car vehicles, how much more tricycle. This road is a half done project, and I am urging the Ogun state government of Dr Dapo Abiodun to help us with the fix,” he said.
A POS vendor who rendered services by the road side also narrated his experience on the road. Adeaze Salami said that the faults are in the hands of the government, he said that the road project should have finished, but no they prefer leaving it unfulfilled.
According to Salami, “The problem is our government, when they give them money for their project they might do it and some they won’t finish it like Agbado Crossing. The bridge is just there for fashion sake because it has not been done, cars can’t use it yet, we are even naive of what is happening.
“We are tired of this road, this road has affected me a lot, because I render service by the road side, and when the road is bad clients won’t be passing by freely, some even stopped passing this area.
“When clients come to withdraw money, where they stay is where vehicles too want to pass because the road is bad, it used to disturb my clients a lot.
“Please we urge our government to help us in God’s name help us with Agbado Crossing road.” he said.
