Potholes In Lagos Road are now Weapons Targeted at Car Owners; Benefits Mechanics as Auto Repair Becomes More Lucrative

An annoying sight in Lagos beyond the traffic situation the deepening potholes. Many Lagosians report that it’s as though the potholes grow even deeper with each passing day, testing the patience of Lagos drivers and car owners while creating a lucrative source of income for auto repair shops that never run out of cars parked in their lot.

Extreme rainfall accompanied by the rainy season AND poor road construction with fake materials has created a lot of potholes on Lagos residential roads and even on most express roads. With each new rainfall, the potholes deepen, exposing car owners and drivers to dangers associated with constantly hitting potholes, which in turn leads to huge repair bills from auto repair shops.

Repeatedly hitting potholes has both long and short-term effects on cars. Potholes damage the sidewalls of tires, suspension, and struts, and also knock a vehicle off alignment causing the vehicle to start moving towards one side. Hitting potholes equally damages a vehicle’s shocks causing the vehicle to develop strange sounds that will require the services of a professional mechanic. With every new pothole Lagos drivers and car owners are subjected to on a daily basis, the result is a return to the mechanic’s store, fixing a problem that was only fixed a few days back.

For many Lagos drivers, avoiding potholes has become nearly impossible considering all roads are littered with deep unavoidable potholes. 

However, business smiles at auto repair shops in Lagos as customers are showing up to mechanics stores with bent wheels, punctured tires, misalignments, and even wrecked suspension. Repair bills for issues like this often range from N5,000 to as high as N50,000, all depending on the force of impact hitting a pothole had on the car.

In July 2023, an article published by Guardian Nigeria explores the deplorable nature of Lagos roads as many Nigerians cry out for the government to look into fixing these road issues. The article was published a short while after the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration revealed that the government has completed 970 roads in the last four years of being in office.

However, residents who spoke to Guardian Nigeria noted that despite the government’s announcement of having successfully completed 970 road projects in the space of four years, the deficit remains as many roads in Lagos state are still ridden with strangely deep potholes.

Speaking to the publication, a public servant named Adepoju Olorewaju stated: “It is appalling how deplorable roads are getting in the state shortly after being constructed. The condition of perpetual trauma and vulnerability to dangers, which these poorly constructed roads have left many Lagos residents deserves to be spoken against in strong terms. The attitude of some residents of the state towards infrastructure provided by the government is also very reprehensible. How do you explain the conversion of roads to mechanic workshops, which is happening in most parts of the state?

He continued saying: “In some other parts of the state, operators of makeshift food canteens convert sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, and even parts of motorways to kitchen units and their activities damage street coatings.”

Another Lagos resident, a commercial bus driver identified as Mr. Johnson Adebayo told the publication: “The potholes have made life difficult for people, especially those of us who ply the road regularly. Every time one is thinking of how to manoeuvre his way while driving just to avoid those dangerous spots littered everywhere on Mafoluku Road.”

Another resident, a tricycle operator, Mr. Olajide Ige stated: “This road needs urgent government intervention to reduce the hardship people pass through plying this road.”

Pothole Prevention in Lagos

Preventing potholes in Lagos, like in many other urban areas, is a significant challenge due to factors such as heavy traffic, poor road construction, and extreme weather conditions. However, there are several strategies and approaches that can be implemented to mitigate the formation and expansion of potholes in the city. Here are some key measures that can be taken:

1. Proper Road Design and Construction:
   • Ensure that roads are designed and constructed using high-quality materials and techniques that can withstand heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
   • Implement proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation on road surfaces, which can weaken the road structure and lead to potholes.
2. Regular Maintenance:
   • Establish a routine maintenance schedule for inspecting and repairing roads. This includes filling small cracks and potholes before they become major issues.
   • Invest in trained road maintenance crews and equipment for quick response to emerging road defects.
3. Quality Control:
   • Implement strict quality control measures during road construction to ensure that materials meet standards and that construction practices are sound.
   • Regularly inspect and monitor ongoing road construction projects to prevent substandard work.
4. Use Durable Materials:
   • Select durable and weather-resistant materials for road construction, such as high-quality asphalt and concrete.
   • Consider using innovative road construction technologies that improve durability.
5. Traffic Management:
   • Implement traffic management strategies to reduce congestion and heavy truck traffic, which can accelerate road deterioration.
   • Promote the use of alternative transportation options to reduce the overall load on the road network.
6. Education and Awareness:
   • Raise public awareness about the importance of responsible driving and the impact of heavy vehicles on road wear and tear.
   • Encourage citizens to report potholes and road defects to the relevant authorities promptly.
7. Pothole Detection Technology:
   • Invest in modern technology like drones, cameras, or mobile apps for detecting potholes and road defects early.
   • Use data analytics to predict potential trouble spots and plan maintenance accordingly.
8. Emergency Repairs:
   • Establish a rapid response team to address emergency road repairs, especially after heavy rains or other extreme weather events.
   • Ensure that emergency repairs are of high quality to prevent the rapid recurrence of potholes.
9. Collaboration with Private Sector:
   • Partner with private companies and organizations for road maintenance and repair initiatives through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
   • Leverage private-sector expertise, resources, and technology to improve road infrastructure.
10. Long-Term Planning:
    • Develop a comprehensive, long-term road infrastructure plan that addresses not only the repair of existing roads but also the expansion and improvement of the road network to accommodate growing urban populations.
11. Environmental Considerations:
    • Implement sustainable road construction and maintenance practices that minimize environmental impact, such as recycling materials and reducing emissions from construction equipment.

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Potholes and the Future of Transportation in Lagos

Potholes pose a significant challenge to the future of transportation in Lagos, as they can lead to road accidents, vehicle damage, traffic congestion, and increased maintenance costs. To ensure a sustainable and efficient transportation system in Lagos, addressing potholes should be a priority. Here’s how potholes can impact the future of transportation in Lagos and potential solutions:

Impact of Potholes on the Future of Transportation:

1. Safety Concerns: Potholes can lead to accidents, especially for two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians. As Lagos grows and more people use various modes of transportation, ensuring safety is crucial.
2. Traffic Congestion: Potholes slow down traffic as drivers navigate around them, leading to congestion. In a city as densely populated as Lagos, congestion is already a significant issue, and potholes exacerbate it.
3. Vehicle Damage: Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles, leading to increased maintenance costs for individuals and businesses. This can deter people from using their vehicles, impacting mobility.
4. Impact on Public Transportation: Potholes can damage public transportation vehicles and infrastructure, reducing the reliability and efficiency of the public transit system.
5. Economic Costs: Potholes increase transportation costs for businesses due to vehicle repairs and delays in goods delivery. This can have a ripple effect on the economy.

Solutions for Potholes and the Future of Transportation:

1. Road Maintenance: Implement a proactive and regular road maintenance program to identify and repair potholes promptly. Utilize technology, such as mobile apps and sensors, to report and detect potholes.
2. Quality Road Construction: Invest in high-quality road construction materials and techniques to ensure roads can withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborate with private companies for road maintenance and construction through PPPs. Private sector involvement can bring expertise and resources to the table.
4. Innovative Materials: Explore the use of innovative and durable road construction materials that are less susceptible to potholes and damage.
5. Traffic Management: Implement intelligent traffic management systems to reduce congestion and wear and tear on roads. This can include optimizing traffic signals and promoting alternative transportation modes.
6. Alternative Transportation: Invest in and promote alternative transportation modes such as buses, trams, and bicycles to reduce the reliance on individual vehicles.
7. Data-Driven Decision Making: Use data analytics to predict pothole formation and prioritize repairs in areas with higher traffic and wear.
8. Environmental Considerations: Adopt environmentally friendly road construction and maintenance practices to minimize the impact on the environment.
9. Long-Term Planning: Develop a comprehensive, long-term transportation plan for Lagos that considers population growth and urban development. This plan should include road expansion and maintenance strategies.
10. Public Awareness: Educate the public about the importance of responsible driving, reporting potholes, and adhering to road safety regulations.