Lagos Residents Lament Flooding, Transport Fare Hike

Lagos Residents Lament Flooding, Transport Fare Hike

Residents of Lagos have lamented the effects of the recent damaging rainfall in different parts of the state, which led to flooding and a hike in transport fares.

The recent rainfall, which fell for days, resulted in gridlock as commuters paid twice in fares.

A motorist, Adeolu Omolola, on Saturday, stated that the heavy rainfall supported by fuel scarcity and the Salah festivities, caused the sudden increment in transport fares.

Omolola said, “Any commercial driver you see on the road during this season is really trying because of the flood. We find it difficult to pass through some roads due to potholes covered by the flood.

“Unavailability of fuel also contributed to the high fares, as drivers made efforts to go to every nook and cranny of Lagos to get petrol for N200 and sometimes N250.”

A resident of Akowonjo, Omor Jacobs, said the state government failed in preparing for the rains.

Jacobs said, “It is wrong for residents in the city to experience flood as a result of blocked drainage and gutters. This has degenerated and led to chaos everywhere in the state.

“The government is supposed to use our tax to plan for the rainy season. Flooding should be a thing of the past.”

Further reports gathered that moving from Ijaiye to Agege bus stop, which cost N200, was increased to between N500 and N600.

Those transiting to Oshodi from Ijaiye paid about N1,500, instead of the usual N500.

A passenger stranded in Abule-Egba, Agege, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the heavy rainfall made her spend hours in traffic.

She said, “I have spent over four hours in the traffic. I was drenched by the rain.

“Vehicles had to take alternative routes as bad traffic lights, road construction, broken down trucks also contributed to the traffic.”

Investigations also show that the downpour damaged some parts of the Agege Market, as wooden tables and chairs of some traders were destroyed.

Another damaging effect observed was the wooden pedestrian bridge for crossing to the other side of the flyover was destroyed by the flood.