Kunle Adelabu
The authorities of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has assured residents of Yewa Road in Igbogbo, of finding solutions to the deplorable state of the road caused by diversion of drainage water.
The protesting residents stated that the diversion of water into the sloppy area has been causing them untoward hardship especially when it rains as their area is flooded.
To call the attention of the authorities, they embarked on a peaceful protest to the IBLCDA Secretariat, and sought urgent intervention to the deplorable state of Yewa Road.
Along the Yewa Road where waste water from Agarawu/Adeboruwa palace and Igbogbo/Baiyeku Road were diverted into,are landmark facilities like Lagos State mini – housing estate, abandoned police station (now being occupied by MOPOL 16 officers as temporary apartments), abandoned Federal Medical Centre, Igbogbo Abattoir, Catholic Church with large congregation and popular Yewa river which is an important traditional and cultural site for Igbogbo people.
Attending to the protesting residents, Hon. Wasiu Olowu, the Chief of Staff to the IBLCDA Chairman, followed them back to their area where he toured the road from the Odogin/Awolowo Way/Igbogbo/Baiyeku/Yewa Roads intersection down to the deplorable road with residents pointing out areas of concerns.
Hon. Olowu commended the protesting residents of the area for the peaceful way of requesting the council’s intervention, stating that it is democratic and legitimate means of getting the government’s attention to issues and resolving them.
”On behalf of the chairman, l commend you for your endurance, patience, and your protest to call our attention to the deplorable state of Yewa road is commendable .
”At times, it’s good when residents call the attention of those in government to a situation because there is always so much for the government to attend to.
”So, this is not a protest against the government, rather, it is meant to call our attention to this important road and we need more of this to keep us alive to our responsibilities”.
He informed them that the road project is beyond what the IBLCDA can embark. He, however, stated that the matter would be escalated to appropriate authorities for proper actions.
”As you are all aware that Omo’ba Aroyewun is running a government that is delivering on his promises, and also a listening and inclusive one, we are also concern about the state of this road and we will make sure that it is attended to in good time.
”But, I must let you know the truth which is that this project is beyond the council’s power, but that does not mean that we will not discharge our responsibility”.
The representative of the IBLCDA Chairman, specifically informed thr residents that the mater would be presented to the representatives of the Ikorodu Constituency ll, and the Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
”We will take up your request with the Lagos State Government for necessary intervention. We are also going to approach and appeal to Rep. Babajimi Benson for federal intervention and the State Assembly representative.
”With these two, I can assure that Yewa Road will be constructed”, he said.
In their letter signed by Kasali -Oga A. O and Alaneme Toby, for and on behalf of the residents, they said that they have been experiencing serious flooding which has made the Yewa Road deteriorated and makes movement in and out of the area very difficult.
”We, the residents and concerned stakeholders of Yewa Road, respectfully write to draw the urgent attention of the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area to the increasingly deplorable condition of Yewa Road and the serious flooding being experienced by residents as a result of the diversion of drainage water through the street.
”The condition of the road has deteriorated considerably, making movement difficult for residents, motorists, pedestrians, school children and pregnant women.
”During rainfall, the situation becomes particularly severe as water accumulates on and around the road, creating significant inconvenience and exposing residents and properties to avoidable risks and damage”.
They specifically stated that the diversion of the drainage water into the area has further complicated the situation and called for urgent intervention.
”Of particular concern is the diversion of drainage through Yewa Road. The volume and flow of water passing through the street have contributed to persistent flooding, especially during heavy rainfall.
”The flooding affects access to homes and businesses, damages the road further, creates unsanitary conditions and raises concerns about the safety and wellbeing of residents”.
The concerned residents called on the government to take proper assessment of the road and construct drainage system that would channel the volume of waste water into the area and also properly constructed the road.
”We, therefore, respectfully appeal to the Council to urgently inspect the affected road and drainage channels, assess the cause and impact of the drainage diversion, and take appropriate corrective measures.
”We also request that consideration be given to proper drainage infrastructure and rehabilitation of the affected portions of Yewa Road, so that storm water can be safely and effectively channelled without causing flooding to the street and adjoining properties.
The further appealed: “We believe that prompt intervention will help prevent further deterioration of the road, reduce flooding and protect the lives and property of residents. We would be grateful if the council could arrange an on-site assessment and communicate the steps that will be taken to address these concerns.
”The passionate appeal from residents and good people of Igbogbo to your good office, is that you give Yewa Road a priority attention in your road construction drive.
”We respectfully count on the council’s attention and timely intervention. Thank you for your service to the community and for considering this urgent appeal”.
