Motorists groan as flood triggers gridlock in Lagos community

The flooded community. Photo: Dayo Oyewo

Heavy traffic was recorded around the junction linking Ogba, Agege and Wempco roads in Lagos on Monday after rainfall caused flooding in the area, leaving motorists stranded for hours.

PUNCH Metro observed that the gridlock extended to Wempco Road, Oba Ogunji Road and the Ogba axis as motorists struggled to navigate the flooded sections.

It was gathered that the location had experienced recurring flooding over the years as road users lament the lack of a lasting solution to the problem.

A motorist heading to the OPIC end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Sodiq Afolabi, told our correspondent that he had spent close to two hours in the gridlock.

He said, “I blame myself for taking this route. I am heading to OPIC, and I have spent close to two hours here, whereas I ought to have reached my destination by now.

“I did not expect that rainfall would cause this level of traffic. People are wasting valuable hours on the road because the water has made it difficult for vehicles to move freely. I should have reached my destination by now, but I am still stuck here,” he said.

Another road user, Sanya Adeolu, who said he lived in the community, described the flooding as a recurring experience whenever it rained.

He also lamented that the problem had persisted for years.

He said, “I am a resident in this community, and we are used to this kind of experience. But, sadly, it has continued for years without a lasting solution.

“Whenever it rains, road users have to prepare for traffic because the water takes over the road. Sometimes, the water rises to the point where it enters your engine, and that can damage a vehicle.

“It is not just about the traffic anymore; it is also about the money people spend repairing their vehicles and the time they lose trying to get to their destinations. We should not have to go through this every time it rains,” he added.

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Our correspondent observed that some vehicles became stranded after breaking down in the flood.

This was also seen to have worsened the traffic situation as other motorists struggled to find their way through the affected roads.

Meanwhile, traffic officials also had a hectic time controlling the flow of vehicles around the junction.

Another motorist, Funsho Oyeyemi, called on the government to address the recurring flooding while noting that previous road repairs had not resolved the problem.

“I think the government needs to do the needful now. Of course, they have fixed the road, but the flooding is still a major issue here.

“The rain did not even last up to 10 minutes, yet the whole place was flooded, wasting people’s precious time. Imagine people who have appointments or are rushing to work being held up for hours because they cannot pass through a road that has been taken over by water.”

Speaking on the effect of the flood on the road, another resident who identified himself simply as Tony said it could weaken and damage it again.

“The same flood will weaken the road again and damage it, meaning that whatever repairs have been done could be affected. If the drainage problem is not properly addressed, we will continue to experience the same thing whenever it rains.

“The government should look beyond fixing the road and provide a lasting solution to the flooding. Otherwise, motorists will continue to suffer, and the road may keep deteriorating,” the motorist said.

The state Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, could not be reached for comment as calls made to his telephone lines were not answered.

A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.