These once-bustling routes now lie flooded and filthy, forcing residents to wade through murky water or rely on unstable plank bridges. The situation has created a growing sense of despair and frustration in the community, even as some cling to hope in an ongoing drainage construction project.
When Weekend Trust visited the area, students were seen carefully making their way to Isale Eko Grammar School on Oroyinyin Street via a makeshift wooden bridge. The road, once a hub for business activity, is now lined with improvised structures to allow access to shops. But even these are not enough to keep commerce alive.
The worsening flooding has led to a steady exodus of residents, with many abandoning their homes for safer areas. Locals blame years of government neglect, though some welcome the drainage work currently underway as a sign of potential relief.
Wasiu Balogun, a long-time resident, expressed fear about the looming rainy season.
“This has been going on for years. We’ve begged the government many times to help us. When it rains, we can’t even leave our homes,” he said.
He recalled a visit by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last year, during which the governor walked through the water and promised to address the problem before the end of his tenure.
“A few months ago, Julius Berger trucks started coming around. We’re just praying they have the resources and support to finish the job,” he added.
Balogun attributed the waterlogging to the poor drainage around the Ilubirin area, saying the blocked canals prevent proper water flow.
“They don’t clear the canals properly. But the new contractors seem to be doing it right. If they finish, it will help. But for now, things are very difficult.”Schools and shops struggle amid flooding
The impact on education has been especially hard-hitting. Akin Tokunbo, who came to check on his nephew at Isale Eko Grammar School, said the boy had been reluctant to attend classes.
“He keeps complaining that the plank bridge is unsafe and that he doesn’t want to go to school. That’s why I came to see him today.”
Another resident, Adewale Akinyemi, confirmed that student attendance had dropped significantly.
“At first, the water seemed manageable. But it just kept rising. Many students don’t come to school anymore.”
He urged the government to hasten the drainage work, noting that previous community efforts to clear blocked drains yielded no lasting results.
“We thought it was waste clogging the drains, but it turned out the real issue was the construction at Ilubirin. The flood has destroyed homes and ruined businesses.”
Kazeem Adeniji, a father of school children, said some community members have taken to ferrying students through the water in their vehicles. He also blamed construction workers and developers who dump sand indiscriminately, causing further blockages.
“The government needs to regulate where sand is dumped. It spills into the drainage and worsens the flooding.”
He added that patronage of businesses has plummeted.
“Customers don’t want to step in water. Some even get sick after walking through it. The government needs to provide a permanent solution.”
Oluyomi Sanya said many families have already relocated due to the health risks posed by the stagnant water and the mosquito infestation it encourages.
Akeem Oloko echoed similar sentiments, saying the flooding has pushed pedestrians, especially schoolchildren, to the brink.
“The government has done very little. The flood has chased away customers. Our businesses are suffering.”
Bolanle Abodunrin, a beverage vendor, said the plaza where she operates has been waterlogged for years. She and others wear rubber boots daily just to access their shops.
“We used to make sales. Now, our customers turn back when they see the flood. Some now prefer to shop at Idi-Oluwo, but the water is spreading there too.”
She added that children have slipped and fallen into the floodwater, with some even ingesting it before the plank bridge was built.
“We’ve seen people fall. The stones placed to help can cause accidents. We’re begging the government to please help us.”
Another trader, Bukola, said her business is on the verge of collapse. “Sales are so poor, I sometime don’t make more than ₦1,000 a day. I’ve had to borrow money to survive. Something must be done.”
Lateef Alemuloke, also a local vendor, said the lack of sales is threatening his ability to pay rent and restock goods.
“We’re pleading with the government. We can’t survive like this,” he said.
