Residents of the Olaoluwa Community Development Association in the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have voiced their frustrations over the deplorable state of their access road, which has remained in disrepair for over three decades. This situation has severely impacted transportation, local businesses, and the safety of schoolchildren.

During a recent visit to the community, it was evident that the road had become virtually impassable, especially during the rainy season. Commuters frequently find themselves stranded, and many are forced to trek long distances from the nearest bus stop to their homes. The lack of reliable access has also made it impossible for commercial motorcycles and tricycles to operate in the area, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents.

Moses Adeola, the chairman of the community, expressed the residents' desperation, stating that numerous appeals have been made to local authorities over the years. These include letters, video evidence of the road's condition, and public appeals via radio stations, all to no avail. "For over 30 years, we have been making efforts and appealing to the authorities to come and assist us, but nothing has been done," Adeola lamented.

The road serves as a critical link between several communities and is particularly vital for residents needing medical assistance. Adeola highlighted the dangers faced by pregnant women and individuals with medical emergencies, noting that many have fallen off motorcycles while being transported to the nearest hospital due to the road's poor condition. "Pregnant women being taken to the nearest general hospital often fall off motorcycles because of its deplorable condition," he said.

Oluwokiti Ephraim, a former chairman of the Prestige Community Development Association, echoed Adeola's concerns, emphasizing that the community's efforts to repair the road have been futile. He noted that local and state government officials have visited the area, documented the issues, and then left without taking any action. "The state and local governments have visited the area, recorded videos of the road and left, but we have yet to see any intervention," Ephraim stated.

The economic impact of the road's condition is also significant, with many businesses struggling to attract customers due to the accessibility issues. Doris Alaba, a long-time resident, shared her own struggles, recounting how she once fell into a water-filled pothole while trying to reach work. She further described how the road impeded her travel plans, stating, "No Uber driver could enter the community to pick me up. I had to call some young men to help carry my luggage to the bus stop before I could get a vehicle to take me to the airport."

Alaba also pointed out that many shops have closed down as customers are unable to access the area. "When the road is in such a hazardous condition, people cannot come into the community to buy goods," she said, highlighting the broader economic implications of the neglected infrastructure.

As the community continues to grapple with the deteriorating road conditions, the residents remain hopeful for intervention from the local government. Attempts to reach Lasisi Akinsanya, the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, for comments on the situation were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.

The plight of the residents of Olaoluwa Community underscores the urgent need for government action to address long-standing infrastructure issues that have left communities vulnerable and isolated.