The deplorable condition of Pipeline Road in Arepo, Ogun State, is negatively impacting small businesses in the area. Traders and artisans are experiencing declining patronage, excessive dust, flooding, and difficulty accessing their shops. Business owners attribute the poor state of the road to customers avoiding the area, with some motorists opting for alternative routes.
A foodstuff seller with over 11 years of experience in the area expressed concerns about the road's condition affecting her sales. She noted that motorists prefer using better roads, such as Journalists Estate Road, to buy goods, resulting in poor sales. Flooding during rainfall also hampers her ability to display goods and operate normally.
Ruth Iwegbu, a Point of Sale operator and shoe seller, has lived in Arepo for 13 years and operated her business there for four years. She stated that the poor road condition has deterred potential customers, particularly those she invites from churches and social gatherings. Iwegbu mentioned that residents and business owners previously graded the road in December, but this practice stopped about two years ago.
Ola, a cobbler in business since 2008, highlighted that the bad road's impact is more noticeable during rainfall, with customers complaining about driving into the area. Some customers have requested that he come to their locations instead. Ola mentioned an abandoned attempt by the estate to rehabilitate the road due to concerns about a pipeline.
Olamide, a tailor with four years of experience in the area, cited excessive dust from the road as another challenge for businesses. The poor road condition makes it difficult for customers to reach her shop, with dust getting on her goods. She appealed to the authorities to intervene and fix the road.
Iyanu, a barber with about a year of experience in the area, stated that the road's condition affects how customers access businesses along the route. Some customers have to park their vehicles elsewhere before patronizing businesses in the area. Iyanu called on the government to rehabilitate the road, noting it has been in poor condition for about four to five years.
The chairman of the community stated that efforts have been made to address the road's condition, with Community Development Associations spending considerable sums on palliative repairs. However, these interventions are often washed away by rainfall. He mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Works commenced work on the road but stopped after 300 meters due to challenges involving the NNPC and military officers.
Key points
- The deplorable condition of Pipeline Road in Arepo, Ogun State, is affecting businesses.
- Business owners are calling for the road to be fixed to improve access and boost commercial activities.
- The community chairman mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Works stopped work on the road due to challenges involving the NNPC and military officers.
