Residents of Araromi in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, may soon experience some relief as Babajimi Benson, a member of the House of Representatives, has begun efforts to repair their community road.
During the road rehabilitation launch on Thursday, a PUNCH Metro reporter observed that the Araromi-Adamo road had been ignored by previous administrations since 1996.
Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency for the All Progressives Congress, aims to finish the 1.3-kilometer road project within three months.
Represented by Muyideen Sanwo-Ola, the Executive Assistant on Parks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Benson encouraged residents to allow the contractors to finish the project as scheduled.
“I urge you to support this project, which will be completed within three months. Let’s remind our youths not to engage in any activity that may hinder the contractors from finishing the work,” the lawmaker pleaded.
Several residents shared their happiness and gratitude with our correspondent, applauding the representative for stepping in to alleviate the daily challenges community members encounter while using the road.
A resident, Ademoriti Maruf, said, “This road has been a major challenge for us. I grew up in this area, and since 1996, after the then military administrator of Lagos State, Buba Marwa, inaugurated it, the Araromi-Adamo Road has been abandoned.
“We have been pleading with the political class to come to our aid but received no response until Jimi Benson decided to help us. We thank God that after 28 years, the rehabilitation is finally starting today.
“We thank our Member of the House of Representatives for bringing this rehabilitation project to our community. This is the first benefit we’ve received from the political class since 1999.”
Chief Qazeem Oyeniran of Olufuja-Mojoda Araromi commended Benson and voiced optimism that the project’s completion would bring a fresh start for the community members.
“The community has gone through a lot. We have suffered, especially during the rainy period. One hour after any downpour, people will be stuck in their houses.
“Floods will enter people’s houses, destroy property, and collapse apartments. There were times when floodwaters nearly carried people away. A lot of residents would stand alert if it’s raining at night,” Oyeniran stated.
Also speaking, the Baale of Upenyanwa, Chief Nurudeen Shiriki, said, “We are truly excited about this rehabilitation. Once completed, it will bring much-needed relief to the community, which becomes nearly impassable even after a small rain.
“At times, due to the rain, residents are hesitant to return home, with some even abandoning their vehicles. They might not come back for weeks simply because of the poor condition of our community road.”
The PUNCH
