The importance of good road networks cannot be over emphasised. It reduces the distance between people and markets. There’s a strong relationship between a state’s economic development and the quality of its road networks. Roads are used by private businesses to make deliveries to their customers; an increase in the quantity of roads increases these businesses’ productivity. Hence, when the government spends more on roads, it increases the quantity of goods and services supplied at any given price.
Lagos Island is unarguably the hub of business activities in Lagos state. This is because it houses several main markets, banks and other top corporate establishments. It also serves as a major source of revenue for the state government. Traders from neighbouring states and countries such as Togo, Ghana and Republic of Benin usually come there to do business.
I have heard a lot of lamentations about the deplorable state of some roads and streets on the island from motorists, friends, traders and residents. I have also sighted them myself too.
Idumagbo Avenue which is one of the busiest routes on the island is now a total disaster begging for government attention. The road which was dualised and recommissioned during the tail end of the former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is now a shadow of its former self. It is also a critical path because it links Tom Jones, Idumota and even the Third Mainland Bridge. A lot of Nigerian banks have their branches on this road which means its deplorable state will adversely affect the profitability of these banks at the branch level due to low patronage and inaccessibility.
A lot of commuters now spend several hours on this route due to needless traffic caused by the bad state of the road. A lot of drivers have also avoided this route thereby increasing the pressure on alternatives such as CMS and Idumota which are also exit points out of the Island. A road as critical as Idumagbo Avenue shouldn’t be left unattended to. The Lagos state government can form a strategic alliance with the management of these banks in the area of maintenance or reconstruction which may also form part of those banks’ corporate social responsibility.
Adeniji Adele Road which links Third mainland and Sura market area have also been in an unpleasant state for several years now . It is worthy of note to state that Adenji Adele Central police Station is situated along this axis. The poor state of this road is already a minus to the state government’s drive towards the reduction of the burgeoning rate of crime on the island especially in an area which is densely populated. For instance, how will a police van chase and catch criminals when they drive on a road that is in a bad shape.
Other streets such as Aroloya, Binuyo, Onola, and Princess are also in a state of neglect. Once it rains or drizzles, everywhere is flooded!
One thing I’d like to commend the Ambode administration for is its commitment towards the improvement of the road situation in Lagos state, which I personally call the “new roads revolution”. The state government recently announced that 114 roads in 57 local government areas and local council development areas will be constructed. The contract when awarded will go a long way in reducing unemployment and poverty if the locals are engaged.
A review of the approval document secured by the Conference 57 of Local Government /Council Development areas on the 14th October 2015 shows that the aforementioned bad roads and streets were not included in the invitation for bids. This means they are not yet on the capital project list of the government. The roads and streets that made that list were Sanusi Olusi , Agarawu, Evans and Thomas Street which, in my own assessment, could be still be regarded as fairly motorable compared to the ones mentioned above that requires urgent government attention.
The deplorable state of these roads and streets may not be solely the fault of the government as the residents contributed greatly because some of them see nothing wrong throwing used water sachets, banana peels and other trash on the roads causing blockages to the gutters and drainage systems. The change we all want begins with all of us as citizens.
Kudos to Governor Ambode for the giant strides so far. But a lot still needs to be done. I also hope Idumagbo Avenue, Adeniji Adele road and other streets mentioned above will make the next list of capital projects of the state government.
It is well with Lagos State.
Adeniyi Bamgboye
