Residents across several communities in Lagos State are raising alarm over the deplorable condition of roads and recurring flooding that have turned their neighbourhoods into danger zones. From Oyadiran Estate in Yaba to Festac and Amuwo Odofin, the story is the same — broken roads, blocked drainages, and stagnant floodwaters have left many in distress.

At Oyadiran Estate, Sabo, Yaba, what was once a serene residential enclave has deteriorated into a network of crater-filled roads and clogged gutters. Deep potholes and eroded surfaces now trap vehicles, while pedestrians wade through pools of muddy water after every rainfall.

Residents say the situation worsens during downpours, as blocked drainages overflow, flooding homes and shops within minutes. “It is a moment of agony passing through the road every day,” lamented Kunle Adebayo, a resident. “I’ve been repairing my car almost daily because of this bad road. The government keeps making promises but never delivers.”

For small business owners like Mike Ojo, the floods have brought repeated losses. “The rain sweeps away goods worth thousands of naira,” she said. “The drainages are completely blocked, and water keeps entering our shops.”

Another resident, Ismail Adewale, described the experience as “a nightmare.” According to him, residents struggle daily to navigate the flooded streets, especially during school runs. “We have insensitive leaders who don’t care what their subjects are passing through,” he added bitterly.

The Oyadiran Estate Residents Association Chairman, Mr. Tayo Ogunyeye, said the problem has persisted for years despite several appeals. “This is not just about inconvenience; it’s a public health emergency waiting to explode,” he warned. “The entire drainage needs redesigning and reconstruction.”

When contacted, the Chairman of Yaba LCDA, Mr. Bayo Adefuye, declined to comment, saying the issue “cannot be discussed on phone.”

Meanwhile, in Amuwo Odofin, particularly Festac Town, the situation is equally dire. From First Avenue to Seventh Avenue, most roads have collapsed, with deep gullies making several stretches impassable. The Alakoso Road, which connects Apple Junction with Ijesha, is reportedly so bad that only heavy-duty trucks can pass.

Residents of Festac Extension Estate also battle severe flooding and mosquito infestation. Marcellus Onah, a lawyer, expressed frustration over the government’s negligence. “We saw drainage reconstruction works last year, but they’ve been dragging on for months. It’s as if they’re saving it for the 2027 election campaign,” he said.

He added that stagnant water has turned open spaces into mosquito breeding sites. “By 5 p.m., you can’t come out without covering yourself from head to toe, or mosquitoes will feast on you,” he lamented.

Another resident, Kolade Ademola, decried the degeneration of Festac’s once-pristine roads. “It shows the calibre of leaders we have — selfish and greedy,” he said. “Successive governments have allowed major roads to collapse while residents suffer.”

Ademola, however, acknowledged that the new local government chairman had initiated some repair works. “I think he’ll do more when the dry season sets in. He should not follow his predecessors’ path. He must deliver good governance to the people,” he urged.