Idimu Residents Decry Drainage Delays as Lagos Cites Rising Costs
Residents say prolonged construction has restricted access to homes and businesses. The ministry’s response cited a budget review but did not specify a completion date.
Residents of Princess Abiola Adeniyi Street in Idimu, Lagos, have complained that prolonged drainage construction is disrupting access to their homes and businesses.
According to PUNCH’s November 2 report, residents said work they expected to last six months had stretched to almost four years. The newspaper reported observing ongoing construction and affected driveways during its visit on October 31.
Residents Describe Access Problems
Residents interviewed by the newspaper described intermittent work and difficult movement along the street.
A trader said customers struggled to reach his shop, while a commercial motorcyclist said road obstructions had forced longer journeys and higher fares.
A resident also alleged that incomplete drainage had worsened flooding around homes. IDNN has not independently established the cause.
Lagos Explains the Delay
Responding to PUNCH on November 1, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources spokesperson Kunle Adesina attributed the delay to rising material costs, which required a review of the approved construction budget.
He said the project would be completed soon and appealed for residents’ patience. His response did not specify a completion date.
Delivery Timeline Remains Unclear
IDNN has not independently verified the original contract, revised cost or approved completion schedule. The six-month expectation and almost four-year duration therefore remain residents’ accounts.
The ministry’s assurance leaves a key question unanswered: when will construction be completed?