By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Residents of Eruwen Community in Ikorodu Area of Lagos have raised concerns over the poor drainage construction by the contractor handling the 3.6 km road construction in the area. The project, which was facilitated by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the Lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos, was flagged off in October 2022, but residents have complained about the poor quality of work since the construction began.
According to the residents, the contractor used steel reinforcing bars or fencer wire and poor concrete mix to construct the drainage system, which appeared whitish after curing the concrete within a few days. The recent rainfall has further worsened the situation, as part of the drainage system started breaking and collapsing due to heavy rainwater passing through it.
Residents, landlords, motorists, and road users have commended the Lawmaker for facilitating the long-abandoned road construction but have urged him to ensure the continuous execution and implementation of the project meets the required standard. They also called on Governor Babajide Sanwoolu and Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area to ensure quality road construction is delivered.
Mrs. Adejoke A. M, who compared the self-help gutters constructed by the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, said that they were more solid than the ones constructed by the contractor. She expressed concern over the use of tiny iron instead of thick iron rods in the construction of the drainage system, which she claimed was the reason for the system’s collapse.
Other residents also shared similar experiences and said that quality drainage construction and channelization were essential due to the high vehicular movement in the community. They appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure that the project meets the required standard.
The residents have called on the contractor to take swift action and ensure that the project is completed to a high standard.