Kwara community laments deplorable road, seeks Gov AbdulRazaq’s intervention
By Fathia Suleiman
Residents of Airforce Street, Lao, in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, have decried the deplorable condition of their community road.
The residents said the poor state of the road has become a thorn in the side of its daily users due to its current terrible condition.
They added that the road’s dilapidation has negatively impacted the community’s socio-economic development, making life unbearable for its residents.
Qozeem Aishat, a 30-year-old fashion designer, shared her frustrations with this reporter while en route to deliver a customer’s clothes. Despite the cool weather, faint wrinkles around her eyes hinted at the struggles she faces daily.
“The poor road condition really affects my daily life,” Qozeem Aishat said. “Whenever I go out, the road conditions impact our community — especially my job — in several ways. Transportation for our business is difficult. You have to trek to the junction to find a bike because our area isn’t safe. There are many potholes, making it difficult for motorcycles to enter the street. You’ll only find them on the main road, so you must walk to the main junction to get where you’re going.”
She expressed concerns about road safety. “You can’t freely send your younger ones around because you worry about their safety, fearing accidents from vehicles that appear unexpectedly.”
Aishat emphasized that the government must address road issues, as road safety is both a social amenity and a public responsibility. “We citizens also contribute to the problem. Some people dump refuse on the streets, which is unacceptable. The government should improve road conditions through public awareness campaigns.”
Another resident, Habibat Issa, who was sitting in front of her house when this reporter approached, said, “The dust is affecting us. We’re having headaches and accidents. The roads are in disrepair, and despite our appeals, nothing has been done to fix them.”
“Every day, we endure the pain and suffering. When we return home, our bodies ache, and we’re forced to take paracetamol. We don’t know how this country became so scattered. The potholes are dangerous, causing motorcycles and bicycles to fall. We fall into these potholes and get hurt. This is a life we’ve never experienced before. The road is unbearable.”
Another resident, Jimoh Abubakar, shared his concerns: “You know, in today’s advanced world, the lack of access to good roads affects all activities, especially movement from one place to another. A bad road discourages travel, but a good road boosts business, allowing easy movement without problems. Bad roads, however, limit business growth in a community.”
He added, “Bad roads can be improved with government assistance or through civic responsibility. Wealthy individuals can take it upon themselves to repair roads, considering it their duty to enhance business activity in the area. As a tricycle operator, I experience this firsthand.”
‘I’ve witnessed countless accidents on this road’
For Mr. Abdul Salma, a bike rider from this community, he said, “Every day, I face daunting challenges navigating our treacherous roads. The moment I wake up, my body aches from the previous day’s ride. The road’s condition is unbearable. Potholes, sand, and uneven surfaces make every journey a struggle. We can’t move freely. The road is a nightmare. Sand and potholes are everywhere, causing accidents. If you’re not experienced, the sand can sweep you off your bike, and you’ll fall.”
“I’ve witnessed countless accidents. Friends and fellow riders have been injured, some seriously. The fear of crashing weighs heavily on my mind.”
“As a bike rider, I yearn for the freedom to ride without worry. But our road holds me back. Every trip is a gamble with my safety. I’m not alone in this struggle,” he said, looking around at fellow riders. “We all suffer. Our livelihoods depend on safe roads.”
Olatide Oladeji, a resident, said, “Despite its long existence, this critical artery has suffered years of government neglect. Moving here revealed the harsh reality. My car maintenance costs skyrocketed. Rocky stretches ravage my exhaust, and tyres don’t stand a chance. The constant repairs drain my wallet. Compared to other areas with smoother roads, my expenses have doubled. The dusty, dry season turns every walk into a choking hazard. The rainy season brings new perils — hidden potholes and nails lurking beneath floodwaters.”
“Last year’s rains taught me a painful lesson. I woke up to find two flat tyres, victimized by hidden nails. It was a costly mistake. The condition of Air Force Road is appalling. Commuters suffer, businesses struggle, and residents despair. We plead with the government to intervene,” he said.
