In Anifowoshe/Ikeja, residents are weighed down by infrastructural neglect and exploitation

Ikeja is a commercial nerve centre and capital city of Lagos state. Formerly populated by the Yoruba, the city now has a more wide-ranging populace, following the migration of other Nigerians; either for business or the Lagos life appeal. According to 2016 data, the population of Ikeja stood at 437,300. The predominantly urban area comprises major communities like Anifowoshe, Magodo, Oregun, Alausa, Ogba, Akiode, Opebi, etc.

In terms of economy, Ikeja LGA is home to several banks and hospitality industries, contributing hugely to the Lagos economy. Some of the noted markets include Computer Village, Alausa main market and a host of several shopping malls.

Anifowoshe community within Ikeja LGA is situated opposite the state secretariat and adjacent to the major market — Computer Village. With this vantage position, one expects that the infrastructure of such a high-density area with market potential should command the attention of both the state and local governments.

This kind of attention will guarantee the free flow of humans and resources, making ease of business a priority. But this does not seem to be the case as residents groan daily over bad roads, government officials’ exploitation, among other challenges.

Although the government is making efforts to revive the Ikeja master plan to ramp up ease of doing business, much of these efforts have not really produced the best for the community.

Roads in Ruin

Many of the roads in the area have become eyesores. Aside from a number of streets that can be considered lucky, the road networks in many parts of Anifowoshe are a nightmare for residents. Dilapidating and almost unpassable road networks litter streets like Akinremi, Afisman Drive, Ojuolowo-Imoshe, Oyelola, Balogun, Bayo Sodipo, Araromi, Independence and a portion of Oduyemi street.

The roads in Afisman and Bayo Sodipo have become a major headache for the residents, with flood and dirty bodies of water becoming permanent fixtures. “This was not the case with Afisman Drive before, as the street was used as a link to Akinremi and Oduyemi,” says Taye Adeniyi, who runs a small shop on the street.

“Many people who are going to Computer Village used to take this road and that gave us opportunity for increased sales. Many who took this road and found our prices so moderate usually buy from us, but today, many have abandoned this road, many will rather go through other streets to access sellers elsewhere.”

A hotel situated on Afisman Drive has experienced dwindled revenue due to the state of the road. A staff who did not want to be identified said many customers had stopped patronising the hotel over the accessibility constraints.

As accessibility becomes increasingly challenging for small businesses on the street, commercial activities also experience a decline. Companies have also not been spared the blow to business, as many of their customers have abandoned them for other competitors.

Mr Larry, an estate agent who manages properties on Afisman Drive, said efforts had been made by the community to approach both the state and local government to ensure the improvement of the roads, adding that the challenges were caused by the construction work on Obafemi Awolowo Road.

A public relations expert and resident of one of the streets called for patience, noting that the community had gotten assurances that after Obafemi Awolowo bridge is completed, Anifowoshe inner roads will be taken care of.

A motorist, Mr Segun, whose office is situated on Akinremi street said the bad road and flooding force him to ply a longer route to reach his destination, costing him time and money.

A fashion designer who works on Bayo Sodipo street, which is equally affected by the flood, was visibly upset about the situation.

“It is obvious customers cannot come to do business except through phone now. Yes, the community had made efforts to reach the Ikeja local government secretariat, but the usual response is that the local government may not be able to do anything until Obafemi Awolowo road construction is completed,” she said.

Residents and office owners on Ojulowo-Imoshe, Oyetola, Araromi, and Balogun also aired their views on the matter. One who gave his name as Seun said the local government officials are trying their best. “Occasionally we see them, local government officials, come with sand and pebbles to arrest the situation albeit temporarily,” he said. But another resident, Cletus, expressed apprehension about the length of time residents will be forced to contend with the issues.

THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM

The drainage system is another major concern for residents, who — coupled with poor planning — can be said to have contributed to the state of the drainages.

Whenever there’s a heavy downpour, flooded houses, shops and offices become commonplace in the area. Two residents, Chinedu and Sola Adegoke, expressed optimism that the “government’s intended new masterplan of Ikeja” will take care of all the problems.

Ifeanyi, a shop owner on Akinremi street, lamented the abandonment of the drainage while expressing anger that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), whose office is nearby, never picks up waste on time.

On Ojulowo-Imoshe street, a resident who does not want to be named said the drainage issue has also affected those who have boreholes in their houses. Many of the boreholes sunk in the houses in Anifowoshe have become a heavy burden to owners, with the water supply turning green. Efforts to speak with the chairperson of Anifowoshe Community Development Association(CDA), who lives in Ararromi street, proved unsuccessful.

Officials’ highhandedness and exploitation

Being a major commercial hub, it is not uncommon for the government to want to ensure sanity as well as drive up revenue, but there is a constant movement of Ikeja LGA environment team, local and state traffic task force on the prowl. The experience of many motorists, residents and office owners in the area has left sour tastes in their mouths.

Often illegal activities, highhandedness, and money changing hands are rampant. In many instances, attempts to obtain information on directions or parking area are often bet with exploitation.

An Uber driver lamented how, instead of being helpful and providing information, task force officials would rather hide somewhere, hoping a motorist would pull up in a non-parking area — despite the absence of signposts to warn motorists.

At the end of Balogun street, where there is an intersection with Agege motor road, police officers who are supposed to ensure sanity often turn the other eye and allow ‘areas boys’ to have free rein and extort motorists. It is rumoured that some of the area boys operate with the permission of police officers on duty.

The activities of Ikeja LGA officials, particularly the environmental team, have also been questionable. Though this is not well pronounced. But hush-hush noises around these government’s official teams are also loud enough for the deaf to hear.

Efforts to get the local government’s chairman or supervisory councillor to speak were not successful. But an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the LGA is working hard to ensure everyone enjoys the benefits of democracy. He said the ongoing construction works are responsible for flood and drainage related problems.

THE LAWMA MENACE

LAWMA’s office located within the area, with its fence bordering Afisman Drive, has become a major source of discomfort for residents. The stench, which often pollutes the air, also affects residents of Bayo Sodipo street and other areas.

Taye Adeniji said the environment was free of odour in the past when LAWMA was professional in its handling of waste lorries, but that things have taken a turn for worse.

Mr Akinwale, head of Ikeja LAWMA office, said the stench is not round-the-clock like the residents said. He said no truck takes dirt or waste to the office, adding that the occasional stench may be from trucks used to pack foul waste.

He said on such occasions, no matter how much extra care is taken, some of the stench may not cease even after the truck had been washed clean. He said the office works hard to ensure the stench does not become protracted. Akinwale added that urgent actions are taken as the stench also affects staffers within the LAWMA office environment.