The federal government has denied allegations that the recent flooding on the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway was due to construction errors, attributing it instead to vandalism and human activities.
Addressing newsmen on the Highway, Federal Controller of Works, Mr Olufemi Dare, explained that the briefing was organized to address issues of open defecation, restriction of commercial motorcyclists and driving against traffic on the road.
Mr Dare stated that the flooding was man-made and not as a result of construction errors, pointing out that the road’s underground drainage system, equipped with 1.2 diameter pipes, was designed to handle water flowg
According to the Controller of Works, vandals had broken the concrete and removed manhole covers, selling them for personal gain, which led to the blockage of the drainage system and subsequent flooding experienced in the area.
Mr Dare expressed disappointment that such acts of vandalism were being perpetrated despite the government’s massive investment on the road.
“It’s so annoying that we can degenerate to this level,” he said.
He also blamed residents for dumping refuse in the manholes, thereby compounding the problem, noting that similar incidents had occurred in other locations, including Eko Atlantic where all the manholes had been removed.
The controller warned that the government would not tolerate such acts and would take drastic measures henceforth.
Speaking on the forthcoming Marathon in lagos this Saturday, Mr Dare announced that the annual marathon would take place on the coastal road and urged residents to stay off the road from midnight on Friday till 12:30 pm as the road would be completely blocked.
On Apongbon Bridge, he inspected the repairing of a transition slab at the beginning of the ongoing road rehabilitation, assuring that the project would be completed within two months.
On Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway Rehabilitation, Mr Dare explained that the 22-kilometers project would involve both flexible and rigid pavement just like that of Coastal Highway and Apongbon road, with three pedestrian bridges and is expected to be completed within four months, with minimal disruptions to traffic.
The Federal Controller of Works commended the LASTMA officers and the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation for their massive support.
He added that the contractors are working at about 4 different locations, stating that there will not be any kind of demolition throughout the project.
Reporting By Abiola PETERS