By Danjuma Amodu
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said flooding along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is linked to the non-implementation of Lagos State’s flood management master plan and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents, not the federal road project.
Umahi made this known on Sunday during an inspection tour of Section 3 of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
He said President Bola Tinubu has directed a technical evaluation of the coastal highway and its surrounding areas, which he will lead alongside members of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
“We are calling on the Lagos State Government because we found out that the master plan of Lagos State in terms of flooding is not being implemented. There are designated points — lagoons — where this water is supposed to be drained. They have not been done.”
— Sen. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
The minister explained that the visit was not to admit fault by the federal government, but to assess drainage and environmental factors affecting the highway.
Umahi also expressed frustration over waste management in Lagos, saying blocked drains from refuse were worsening flooding on major roads.
“You can see the amount of refuse even on our way. You can see the indiscipline of Nigerians that carry refuse to block drainage channels. This country belongs to all of us, so we must work.”
— Sen. Dave Umahi
He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s infrastructure drive instead of what he described as “destructive criticisms,” noting that the administration was committed to delivering lasting road networks across the country.
SOKOTO-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY RECORDS 10% PROGRESS
During the tour, Umahi commended Hitech Construction Company Ltd., the contractor handling the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, for achieving 10 per cent of permanent works.
“Hitech, you have achieved 10 per cent of the permanent work. This is mind-blowing. Concentrate on your work. Let Ogun State Government do its flyover. We cannot inherit a foundation we are not sure of. Let your job be like a service lane.”
— Sen. Dave Umahi
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, who was also on the inspection, said the project would boost commerce, agriculture and job creation in communities along the corridor.
“Once the road is built, it is an enabler of growth and development and will lead to prosperity.”
— Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Minister of State for Works
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, described the superhighway as a “gigantic” legacy project of the Tinubu administration and urged the ministry and contractors to sustain the momentum.
The delegation also raised concerns over the state of the Sango-Idiroko Road and called for urgent intervention to ease movement and trade in the border area.
