The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has dismissed concerns over water retention observed on portions of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, assuring Nigerians that the project and other major legacy road projects of the Federal Government would be completed by 2031.
Umahi gave the assurance on Friday during an inspection tour
of Sections One and Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway alongside members
of the National Assembly to evaluate the progress of work on the project.
The minister was responding to complaints by some road users
and critics regarding reports of flooding and potholes on parts of the highway
corridor.
Addressing the concerns, Umahi explained that the water
noticed along the median was linked to the project’s design provision for a
future railway line.
According to him, the median section was specifically
created to accommodate rail infrastructure.
“The median was designed for trains. What people are seeing
there is about 25 metres wide, almost equivalent to another dual carriageway,”
he said.
He explained that excavated portions within the median had
been sand-filled, adding that although the railway component was expected to
commence immediately, drainage channels would now be constructed to prevent
water accumulation.
“The railway project has not started yet, so we have
directed the contractor to create proper drainage within the median and connect
it to the existing drainage network,” he added.
Umahi admitted that water had gathered in a few depressed
sections of the highway but assured that corrective measures were already being
implemented.
“Where there are slight depressions, water may collect
temporarily. I take responsibility for that, and we are addressing it. There is
no cause for concern,” the minister stated.
He also dismissed speculations that the Lagos-Calabar
Coastal Highway could be abandoned before completion, insisting that
substantial progress had already been achieved within two years of
construction.
“We commenced this project in 2024, and by 2026, Section
One, which spans 47 kilometres with six lanes, has been completed even though
the contract duration is three years.
“Section Two, covering 55 kilometres with six lanes, will be
substantially completed by November,” he said.
Umahi disclosed that work was also progressing steadily on
Sections Three and Four of the coastal highway traversing Cross River, Akwa
Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states.
He explained that challenging terrains, swampy locations and
environmental regulations had necessitated some redesigns and route adjustments
in certain areas.
“Engineering is dynamic. As we move through difficult swampy
terrain, redesigns become necessary.
“In some areas, international environmental regulations do
not permit construction through protected forest zones, so we have to create
alternative alignments,” he explained.
The minister commended Hitech Construction Company for
sustaining work on the project despite delayed payments from the government.
“Hitech has continued operations on some sections even
without payment. That demonstrates genuine partnership in national development.
“I do not know more than three companies that can maintain
this level of commitment under such conditions,” he said.
Umahi further revealed that construction activities were
ongoing on other flagship infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry
Super Highway and several major federal roads in Kebbi, Oyo, Gombe and Akwa
Ibom states.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, the
minister said all four legacy infrastructure projects initiated under President
Bola Tinubu’s administration would be completed within the projected timeline.
“All these projects will be completed on or before 2031. The
four legacy projects are on course for delivery by 2031.
“I want to assure Nigerians that these projects will be
completed. We have reputable contractors such as Hitech, Infouest, CGC and
others handling the works,” he said.
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