"CONSTRUCTION ON SHOKUMBI STREET MIGHT BE POLITICALLY INSTIGATED" RESIDENTS

Photos by Samuel Okeh

On 8th January 2015 after 14 years, Caterpillars were found spreading granite and white sand on the apologetic street of Shokumbi in Kirikiri town.

The move by the Oriade Local Government Council Development Area described by residents as 'spreading butter on decayed bread' was said to have been politically instigated by the All People Congress (APC) for voting and favor intent.

A top comrade (name withheld) with the Community Development Association (not the CDA Youths) disclosed to Kirikiri news how several letters was sent over to the council but nothing was done even if they were duly approved.

"Several proposals were sent to the Oriade Local Government Council since mid-year 2014 for the rehabilitation of about 5 streets in Kirikiri town but no action was taken. The proposal was later approved in October last year but we are just seeing the effects in January 2015 because of Election. They supposed to have dropped more than 35 tippers of materials which will be enough to totally grade the street but less than 18 have been dropped by the contractors. We are still watching them closely" our source revealed.

Shokumbi Street is known for its many commercial activities and it is one of the most popular streets in Kirikiri town but crippled with bad and smelling road. Flat body trucks pass through the street into the Nigeria Prison Service barracks where they have a second gate. The street has been left unattended to for many years and was in a worse state until its current controversial but much anticipated grading.

"This is just politics; they want us to vote for them. We are not satisfied. They should do the road properly or even interlock it just like the Oil Depots did on Cardoso road" Faith, a resident of Shokumbi Street expressed to Kirikiri News.

"Well, it is what we have always hoped for; that our street will be motor-able and tarred. Kudos to the CDA and all who make this possible but we want better roads in Kirikiri town" Tunde, also a resident in Kirikiri town spoke to Kirikiri News

However, the Council said they will extending the grading spree towards other streets in Kirikiri town such as, Airport road, Ajanlekoko, Magbesa, Ikudehinbor, Ilaje close, Johnson street and Agunbiade street.