Communities in Ogun State lament over bad condition of road

The inhabitants of Ijere, Pakuro, Magbon, and ten other neighboring communities within the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have conveyed their dissatisfaction regarding the lamentable condition of the road networks that link their respective communities.

Mr. Jimoh Owolabi, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, shared with PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that the residents have been grappling with this issue for a period exceeding nine years.

Despite their persistent endeavors to uphold the road’s condition through financial contributions and tolls, the situation remains unresolved.

Mr. Owolabi disclosed that the community members have been collectively raising funds on an annual basis, totaling between three to four million naira, in a bid to enhance the road’s accessibility. Regrettably, their endeavors have not produced the anticipated results.

He said, “The community has been struggling for years to keep our roads passable. We contribute three to four million naira annually to repair the roads, but it is not enough. We need assistance to fix our infrastructure.” Owolabi further lamented the lack of response from government agencies, including the Ministry of Works and the local government, despite numerous meetings and letters sent to them. He expressed disappointment at the local government’s decision to address the issue.

“We have set up several committees to arrange meetings with the Ogun State Ministry of Works and the local government yet our needs are not met. To my surprise, agents were sent to the community to collect money from bikers and commercial motorists, rather than providing a sustainable solution.”