Residents of Peter Ajibola and Bobagunwa streets affected by the ongoing flyover construction in Osogbo have once again appealed to the Osun State Government to come to their aid.
The residents lamented that actions put in place by the state government are still not enough to ameliorate their sufferings.
DAILY POST recalls that in February, residents of the area surrounding both streets violently protested the neglect of the state government.
Two protesters were arrested by personnel of the Nigeria Police who came in to quell the protest which was unsuccessful.
The protesters had lamented that the state government reneged on its promise to cushion the hardship the ongoing flyover construction would have on them.
Reacting, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi also appealed to the protesting residents to exercise patience as the state government was doing all it could to control the situation and bring succour to the residents.
The state government through the Ministry of Works diverted traffic from the Alekuwodo Okefia route to Peter Akinola and Bobagunwa Streets.
The dust from the heavy flow of traffic is reportedly causing a nuisance as it settles on houses and people, negatively affecting the everyday life of residents.
After the protest, the state government commenced the laying of granite but residents are lamenting that the granite has made living worse as the dust and sediments from the granite are causing the same havoc as the muddy topsoil.
Speaking with DAILY POST, a community leader, Adebayo Ajeigbe said the state government still has a lot to do.
“It is true we protested and it is true that the government took immediate action but there is really no difference.
“Take a look for yourself. When vehicles pass here, the dust still rises. It still covers our houses. Our business is still negatively affected. Traders can’t bring out their goods and children can’t play outside because of the dust.
“Talking of children, they can’t come out again and play safely because of the heavy flow of traffic. The government should find a lasting solution and the solution is to take this piece of road.”
A trader, Folakemi Akeem lamented that her sales had been dropping since traffic was diverted due to the bad state of the road and the effects of dust on her goods.
She also stated that it was happening at a period when the economy was not friendly to anyone.
“You can imagine my sales plummeting because of this condition. This is not about the economy again but because people don’t patronise me again due to this condition.
“People move around here with facemasks and we are not in the COVID-19 era again. It is really sad and I am not happy.”
Residents who spoke on their plight demanded quick government intervention to prevent future health issues, especially among the children and another protest.
Osogbo residents lament bad road as government responds to protest demand