Traffic, Dust, High Fares: Residents, Commuters, Businesses & Schoolchildren Bear Brunt as Olorunsogo–Ilaji Road Project Drags On

Residents and commuters along the ongoing Olorunsogo–Ilaji six-lane road project in Oyo State have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to expedite the completion of the project, citing the increasing hardship caused by the construction.

The residents said although they acknowledged the importance of the road expansion in boosting economic development and improving connectivity in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, the current state of the project had made daily commuting difficult for thousands of people.

In a statement made available on Sunday, they said families now leave their homes before dawn to beat traffic caused by diversions, potholes and ongoing construction works, while motorists spend several hours navigating the corridor.

According to them, commercial drivers are also bearing the brunt of the situation as frequent vehicle breakdowns, rising maintenance costs and reduced patronage continue to affect their livelihoods.

They added that transport fares had increased, while many businesses located along the road had witnessed a decline in customer patronage due to the poor condition of the route.

The residents noted that the challenges have equally affected schoolchildren, pregnant women, elderly persons and emergency responders, including ambulances, who are forced to contend with traffic congestion and dusty sections of the road on a daily basis.

While commending the state government for embarking on what they described as a strategic infrastructure project, they stressed that the suffering of residents and road users should not be ignored.

“The six-lane road is a welcome development that will transform Olorunsogo, Akanran, Ilaji and neighbouring communities by improving access and stimulating economic activities. However, while we appreciate the vision behind the project, the hardship being experienced by residents and commuters has become enormous,” the statement read.

The residents appealed to the government to provide additional support to the contractor handling the project to accelerate construction and ensure its timely completion.

They also called for improved traffic management, regular watering of dusty sections of the road to reduce environmental and health concerns, as well as better maintenance of temporary access roads to make them safer and more motorable.

According to them, implementing these measures would significantly ease the burden on thousands of residents pending the completion of the project.

They expressed optimism that the completed road would serve as a major economic corridor capable of attracting investment, improving transportation and enhancing the quality of life of residents across the axis.

The residents, however, urged all stakeholders involved in the project to approach the remaining phases of construction with greater urgency and commitment, expressing hope that the road would ultimately become a lasting legacy of development in the state.