Kwara Community Urges Government Action Over Abandoned, Slow-Paced Road Project
Residents of Osin Community in Kwara State are growing increasingly frustrated with the slow pace and apparent abandonment of an ongoing road construction project in their area. The project, which is being handled by 1st August Construction Company, has seen little progress in recent months, leaving residents to deal with poorly constructed infrastructure and rising concerns over safety and accessibility.
The road, which is a vital link for the community, was initially seen as a positive development that would improve transportation, boost economic activity, and improve overall living conditions. However, what began with high hopes has now turned into a source of frustration for the community, as construction work has largely stalled.
In interviews with some residents, they claimed that the contractor had blamed the delays on insufficient funds. According to them, the contractor cited financial constraints as the main reason for the slowdown in progress, though no official statements have been made.
“We were excited when the project began, but now it seems like the work is being abandoned. There hasn’t been any serious work on the road for weeks,” said one resident. “We were told that funding is the issue, but no one knows for sure. It’s very frustrating because this road is crucial for us.”
One of the most pressing concerns raised by the residents is the poor construction of the drainage system, which they say is both shallow and incomplete. “The drainages constructed are shallow and haven’t been extended to where they should reach. As a result, every time it rains, the road floods and parts of it turn into ponds. This makes movement nearly impossible,” another resident explained. The lack of proper drainage has created health hazards, as stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising fears of malaria outbreaks in the community.
Residents also reported that the road has become nearly impassable in certain sections due to erosion, worsened by the inadequate drainage system. The poor condition of the road is already impacting daily activities, as transportation of goods and services is being disrupted, and residents are facing challenges in commuting to neighboring towns for work, school, and healthcare.
Efforts to contact 1st August Construction Company for comments have so far proven unsuccessful. No one was willing to provide contact information for the contractor, adding to the growing frustration among residents. The lack of communication from the company has fueled concerns that the project might be indefinitely delayed or even abandoned.
The residents of Osin Community are now calling on the Kwara State government to intervene urgently. They are urging the authorities to investigate the delays, ensure that funding is properly allocated, and hold the contractor accountable for the slow progress. The community also emphasized the importance of completing the road to prevent further hardship, as the upcoming rainy season could worsen the situation.
“We cannot continue to live like this. We need the government to step in and ensure this project is completed as promised. The road is essential for our livelihood and the overall development of our community,” a resident pleaded.
For now, the fate of the road project remains uncertain, but the community remains hopeful that with government intervention, the situation will soon improve.
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