RESIDENTS of Ikorodu, Parafa, Maya, Imota, Isiu and Agbowa might be experiencing a nightmare.

Their only means of linking Ijebu-Ode, Lagos, or Epe is the Ikorodu-Ijebu-Ode road. But since June 2011, sections of the road have continued to prove tortuous for commuters, especially at rainfall. These include Parafa, Imota (close to Caleb University) and NAFSAT Junction (after Ile-Epo Oba, in Ikorodu Township).

In May, last year, before commencement of the rainy season, officials of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) visited the areas. Contract for the award of drainages was awarded. That was the end of the story.

A community leader in Maya, Chief Ebisemi Adigun, lamented that in early 2013, contractors were mobilised to fix the drainages, as prelude to major construction. “But to our dismay, the work was abandoned around April. And till now, there is no presence of FERMA officials.”

Investigation by The Guardian revealed that the contractor abandoned the drainage work halfway because of what a source allegedly described as “demand for kickbacks” from FERMA, facilitators of the contract.

Since March 2013, when the road finally collapsed, especially at the three locations, commuters have had to endure pains. Residents also have to contend with motorists who make detours through their premises. Worst disturbed are business interests along the road, such as fuel stations, hotels and financial institutions, among others.

Expressing his anger over what he describes as “the nonchalant attitude of FERMA officials”, Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, who has just opened a hotel in the area, said he regrets moving there on account of the road.

“Despite the huge investments I have made, clients are not forthcoming. It is not that we don’t have modern facilities, but where is the road that would link customers to our premises?”

Travelers from the eastern parts of the country who usually make use of the road whenever there is a traffic gridlock along Ibadan-Shagamu expressway bewailed such decision, last week, as their vehicles got stuck.

Reacting to the allegation that FERMA officials are demanding gratification, Mr. Awodu, an engineer with the agency said:

“The allegation of bribery before we do our work is not only funny; it is impossible. Nobody from FERMA has courage to ask for gratification. I may say the insinuation is to hasten activity on the road. We are working on our plan to fix the road. We will introduce a remedial measure before embarking on a permanent solution.”

The question people are asking, however, is when such remedial measure will materialise?