- FG may remove some buildings to improve drainage along the coastal highway
- Umahi said blocked drains, not the highway, caused the flooding
- Government promised compensation for eligible affected property owners
The Federal Government has indicated that some structures along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor may be demolished to pave the way for the construction of service lanes and improved drainage systems aimed at tackling flooding.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the disclosure during a joint inspection of the highway, an exercise directed by President Bola Tinubu following complaints from residents about flooding in communities located along the project route.
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The inspection team included officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment, members of the National Assembly, project consultants, contractors and presidential aides.
Addressing journalists after the exercise, Umahi rejected claims that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was responsible for the flooding experienced in some parts of Lagos.
According to him, technical evaluations carried out on the project showed that the highway’s drainage system is functioning effectively and is helping to channel floodwater away from affected areas.
He attributed the flooding to other environmental challenges, including blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, illegal reclamation of waterways and uncontrolled construction in flood-prone locations.
Umahi said the Federal Government would work closely with the Lagos State Government to implement a comprehensive flood management strategy for communities along the corridor.
He explained that the intervention would involve the construction of service lanes, expansion of drainage infrastructure and the reopening of blocked natural water channels to improve the free flow of floodwater.
The minister acknowledged that some existing buildings may have to be removed to achieve the objective, adding that compensation would be paid to eligible property owners in accordance with established government procedures.
Speaking specifically on the flooding experienced at Alpha Beach, Umahi noted that the area had suffered recurring floods long before work began on the coastal highway.
He observed that several residential estates in the community were built on low-lying land without adequate consideration for environmental impact and flood risk.
The minister called for stricter compliance with urban planning regulations to prevent similar challenges in future developments.
He also appealed to residents to stop dumping waste into drainage channels and warned against vandalising facilities installed along the highway.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-West, Moremi Ojudu, also dismissed suggestions that the coastal highway was responsible for the flooding.
She said the government would embark on awareness campaigns to educate residents, community associations and local leaders on proper waste disposal and the importance of keeping drainage systems free from obstruction.
Managing Director of Hitech Construction Company, Danny Abboud, assured residents that the contractor would continue clearing blocked culverts, removing refuse from drainage channels and monitoring water flow to minimise the risk of flooding along the highway corridor.
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