Motorists and residents within Jakande Estate, Isolo, Ejigbo, Ikotun-Egbe and surrounding areas have lamented the delay in the completion of the Isolo-NNPC Road in Oshodi-Isolo Local Council, which is now 14 months past the original deadline for completion.
They expressed frustration over the condition of the road, which forced them to spend over three hours on a trip that should only take five minutes.
The project was approved by the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration three years ago with a 12-month completion target..
Residents were initially hopeful that the notorious traffic congestion in the area would be alleviated once the project is completed.
However, the contractor has only partially fixed the road from Iyana-Isolo to the Isolo General Hospital, and work on the drainage between Pako Bus Stop and Jakande Estate has also been stalled.
Potholes between Oke-Afa and Jakande Estate Gate have not been filled, adding to commuting nightmare faced by residents.
Commuters lament that what used to be a less than a five-minute drive from Isolo to Jakande Gate now takes over two hours or more, especially during peak periods.
Transporter, Uche Ozigbo, shared: “The road is affecting us badly. Our vehicles are getting damaged due to the poor road condition, and the cost of spare parts have skyrocketed.
“The contractor is not doing enough. Cost of delivery has moved from N25,000 to N35,000 daily and we need to buy fuel. Bus owners increased daily delivery because of the cost to fix their buses. We are appealing for the road to be completed to alleviate these challenges.”
When contacted, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, explained that project timelines could be extended, and that the contractor had applied for an extension due to challenges like rain affecting the project.
She assured that work was ongoing and that “the contractor is on site”, despite the delays.
Member of the House of Representatives, representing Oshodi-Isolo I Federal Constituency, Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, mentioned that additional 10 more roads, including Falana Road, Oke Iho and Ago Palace Way had been approved for construction to connect major roads.
He acknowledged the urgent need to complete the Isolo-NNPC road and noted the financial constraints contractors were facing.
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