Abiola Peters
The Federal Ministry of Works says the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has earned the endorsement of international financiers, which makes it a notable investment beyond construction.
Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, who spoke during an inspection tour of the highway on Wednesday, reassured that it will deliver the first phase of the Coastal Highway for inauguration in May 2025 by President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Umahi said the entire stretch to Calabar would be ready for inauguration by December, when tolling will also commence.
He declared that the quality of the rigid pavement would last one hundred years, while assuring that the road will have a rail line, Close Circuit Cameras, emergency response points among others facilities.
The Minister commended the contractor for working three shifts a day with ultramodern construction equipments that has enhanced the pace of the work.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Construction Company, Mr Dany Abboud, assured that the project would meet the standard proposed by the federal government.
In their separate comments, the Director Bridges and Highway Designs, Federal Ministry of Works Mr Bede Obioha and Federal Controller Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, both expressed amazement at the quality and pace of work, which they adjudged as first of its kind in their long years of service.
The Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway Project commenced from Ahmadu Bello Way in April last year.
BRIDGES INSPECTION
Illegal occupants under Iddo Bridge in Lagos, have been given a seven-day ultimatum to vacate, for demolition of unwanted structures, where activities that led to a major fire disaster that has affected the integrity of the bridge.
Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi made the announcement on Wednesday during an inspection of the top and under deck of the bridge.
Mr Umahi said there would be weekend closures of the bridge for removal and replacement of the weak asphalt, while there would be a major closure for replacement of the expansion joints at dates to be adequately announced.
The Minister also inspected the Marine Bridge and declared that there would be closure for twenty-one days to lifting of the bridge for replacement of a large number of bearings.
He assured that there would be sufficient announcements indicating the diversion and alternative routes and inputs of the public for a smooth operation.
Mr Umahi made a quick stop over at the Independence Bridge in fulfilment of his promise to check the condition three weeks after the repairs and he declared the work satisfactory and permanent.
The Minister of Works as promising that bridges in the state and country will undergo periodic inspection for quick intervention on any defects.