Residents of Okota, Oke-Afa, and surrounding communities in Lagos have expressed concerns over the poor condition of the canal linking Oke-Afa Bridge to Fasheun Bridge. The canal's neglect has worsened flooding and created an unsafe environment for residents. The community has raised fears over the safety of Fasheun Bridge, citing rusting iron poles and other signs of deterioration. They are appealing to the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene.
A recent visit to the area revealed that the canal between Oke-Afa Bridge and Fasheun Bridge was heavily overgrown with weeds, with sections filled with refuse allegedly dumped by illegal waste cart pushers. Makeshift structures have also sprung up around the canal, further restricting access to the waterway. The bridge, built in 2013 by Dr. Frederick Fasehun, was constructed to ease traffic on the Ikotun-Isolo axis and provide a link between Jakande Estate and Oke-Afa.
The Fasheun Bridge, measuring 135 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, has remained tolled since its commissioning 13 years ago. Pedestrians currently pay N50, while tricycle and motorcycle riders pay N100 each. Car owners are charged N200 to use the bridge. The bridge was intended to ease traffic congestion along the Ikotun-Ejigbo-Isheri-Oshun-Jakande-Alimosho-Isolo-Okota-Festac-Mile 2 axis by providing a direct route from Jakande, Isheri, and Bucknor through Okota to Mile 2, Apapa, Badagry, Lagos Island, Isolo, and Surulere.
Clement Olajolo, Chairman of Olive Estate Community Development Area (CDA), Oke-Afa, stated that the canal had become heavily blocked with refuse, posing a serious flooding threat to surrounding communities. He recalled that the canal was last cleared during the first tenure of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, adding that other waterways in the state had continued to receive periodic maintenance.
Olajolo expressed concerns that the canal's condition had become a serious threat to the community, with many people already leaving their homes due to flooding. He called on the state and Federal governments to come to their aid. Another resident, Aare Saheed, stated that community members had previously attempted to clear the drainage but were unable to sustain the effort due to the scale of the blockage.
Saheed added that residents often encountered snakes and other reptiles when attempting to clear the drainage, making the area increasingly unsafe. He expressed disappointment that the government had not followed up on its promise to help. Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), stated that the canal was included in the authority's plans for the year and would be cleared before the end of the year.
The community's concerns highlight the need for urgent intervention to address the canal's condition and ensure the safety of Fasheun Bridge. The Lagos State Government's response to the situation remains to be seen. Residents are eagerly awaiting the government's action to alleviate their concerns and prevent further flooding and safety issues in the area.
Key points
- The Oke-Afa canal has been neglected for years, causing flooding and safety concerns for residents.
- The Fasheun Bridge, built in 2013, has remained tolled for 13 years, with users paying N50 to N200 to cross.
- The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has included the canal in its plans for the year and aims to clear it before the end of the year.
