Residents of Princess Abiola Adeniyi Street in the Idimu area of Lagos State are expressing their frustration over the prolonged construction of a drainage project that has now entered its fourth year. Initially slated for completion in just six months, the project has become a source of significant disruption to both social and economic activities in the community.

During a recent visit to the area, it was evident that construction work was still ongoing, with heavy machinery spotted near Oba Amusa Avenue. Local residents and business owners voiced their concerns about the impact of the delays on their daily lives. Abimbola Sanni, a resident, described the situation as unbearable, stating, "The work started about three to four years ago, and life has been miserable for us on this road since then. We have cried out to the government about what is happening here, but nothing has been done."

Sanni highlighted the inconsistency in the contractor's work schedule, noting that workers frequently abandoned the site for extended periods. This erratic work pattern has made the road nearly impassable, complicating movement for both residents and motorists. Another local, Tunji Are, added that the slow progress of the drainage project has exacerbated flooding issues, with rainwater now flowing into homes, a situation that was previously manageable.

"We have never experienced flooding on this scale before the construction began," Are lamented. He explained that the community had initially welcomed the project, hoping it would alleviate their flooding problems. However, the prolonged construction has only intensified their struggles, with many residents now facing water intrusion into their properties whenever it rains.

The construction has also severely affected access to homes. A landlord, who chose to remain anonymous for security reasons, shared his disappointment, stating, "I thought the construction would last for the proposed six months, so I left my car in the compound because I do not go out regularly. Before we knew it, one year had passed, then two, three, and now almost four years."

Business owners in the area are also feeling the pinch. Anslem, a shop owner, reported a significant decline in customer traffic due to the construction barriers. "There is no easy way for people to cross over into my shop. It has been a terrible experience for me. My shop used to be very busy, and this is what I use to feed my family, but now I struggle to do so," he explained.

Motorcycle operators have not been spared either, as the construction has forced them to take longer routes, resulting in higher fares for passengers. Ibrahim, a motorcycle rider, noted, "We now have to take longer routes, and passengers complain that we charge too much. But it is really not our fault; the construction has made it impossible for us to use the road as before."

In response to the residents' complaints, Kunle Adesina, the spokesman for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, acknowledged the delays. He attributed them to budget variations necessitated by rising material costs. "The delay is a result of variations. The cost that was approved for the contractor had to be reviewed due to the high cost of materials. But one reassuring thing is that the project will be completed soon. We appeal to the residents to bear with us," Adesina stated.

As the community waits for the completion of the drainage project, the ongoing situation continues to affect their daily lives, highlighting the urgent need for timely infrastructure development in Lagos State.