Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, has dismissed social media reports alleging lack of drainage channels on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Mr Umahi who said this at an inspection of progress of ongoing works on the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway and other federal projects, clarified that the project includes 750 kilometers of dual underground drainage systems.
He explained that natural disruptions like rainfall occur because the project was still ongoing, saying high-tech interventions such as geotextile layering and rock embankments were introduced to combat ocean surges at Kilometer thirteen to fifteen.
Mr Umahi praised the contractor handling the project and supervisors of the Ministry for ensuring safety and durability of the coastal section noting that the Ministry deployed advanced engineering solutions, including geotextiles and rock layering, to reinforce the weak section.
In the same vein, the Minister had expressed satisfaction with the spate of ongoing works on the Section Two of the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, commending the contractors and site’s engineers on the quality of job on the road.
The Minister who also inspected road projects along Dangote refinery and federal infrastructure directed that ongoing works on the Section Two of the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway should be showcased weekly for Nigerians to be more informed.
In another development, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has faulted distortions of his presentation at the Federal Executive Council on Lagos bridges saying misrepresentations led to speculations.
The Minister explained that both Third Mainland and Carter Bridges had been under technical review since 2013.He said unlike Carter Bridge, experts did not recommend demolition of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Mr Umahi noted that the surface repairs had been completed and structural monitoring continues sayingSpecialist contractors, including Julius Berger as well as independent diving consultants, confirmed stability for now.
The Minister assured Lagosians that preventive maintenance continue to avoid further deterioration, reiterating government’s commitment to ensuring public safety on all federal bridges.
Writing by Abiola Peters