By Olanrewaju Agiri
Residents of the Arowojobè area in Maryland, Lagos, particularly along Olu Ogunyemi Street, have expressed shock and frustration following the destruction of a drainage system built through community contributions.
According to community members, the drainage project was funded and constructed by residents after years of experiencing severe flooding during the rainy season. The project was aimed at controlling floodwater and improving access to homes and businesses in the area.
However, earlier this week, government officials reportedly led by one Engr. Adekoya arrived in the area with equipment and demolished sections of the drainage with just 24 hours’ prior notice or clear explanation to the residents.
The action has left the community worried, especially as the rainy season is approaching, raising fears that the access road recently constructed along with the drainages might be quickly damaged and the entire area may experience serious flooding again.
Residents say the demolition has not only wasted community resources but has also exposed homes, roads, and properties to potential water damage. Many community members gathered after the incident to express their dissatisfaction and to call on the government to provide an official explanation for the demolition.
Community leaders are now demanding that the government clarify the reasons for the destruction, provide a proper drainage solution, and consider compensating the residents for the funds they contributed toward the project.
The residents of Olu Ogunyemi Street in Arowojobè, Maryland, are calling on the relevant authorities to urgently address the situation to prevent flooding and avoid putting lives and properties at risk in the coming rainy season.
Calls and messages that were put across to Engr. Adekoya, who supervised the demolition, has not responded to hear from his side as of the time of filing this report.
