November 3, 2023- The onset of the rainy season, marked by heavy downpours, has brought about significant challenges, particularly evident in the inundation of Agege Pen Cinema Road near the Ifako-Ijaiye bus terminal. The alarming frequency with which the road succumbs to floods has sparked concerns, creating a precarious situation for motorists, market vendors, and children alike.
The Moment for Women investigated the recurring issue on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, revealing that every rainfall transforms the entire stretch of the road into a waterlogged area. This leaves commuters, market traders, and even children with no choice but to navigate through the waterlogged path.
A keke rider, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared his distressing experience with The Moment for Women. He described how, when traversing the flooded road, his keke is submerged and the water comes into contact with his body, causing discomfort and irritation. A market woman, who sells pure water by the roadside, recounted a recent incident where she lost her merchandise after falling into the water. Frustrated, she lamented, “I lost my market last week because of the rainwater that covered the road.” She urged the authorities to intervene, highlighting the potential health hazards and disease outbreaks linked to the unclean water. “I pray the government comes to fix this road before something catastrophic occurs here,” she added.
The root cause of the persistent flooding is primarily attributed to inadequate drainage systems and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the gutters by market users. The accumulation of waste in the drainage channels exacerbates the problem, hindering the smooth flow of water during heavy rains.
As the community grapples with these challenges, urgent attention from relevant authorities is essential to mitigate the impact on the residents’ daily lives and avert potential health crises.
The Moment for Women advocates for prompt intervention to address the poor drainage and waste management issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals.