Umahi links highway water retention to rail plan

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi has attributed water retention usually observed on some parts of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the provision for a future railway line.

Umahi said this while dismissing concerns over water retention on some parts of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway even as he assured Nigerians that the project, alongside other legacy road projects of the Federal Government, would be completed by 2031.

Umahi gave the assurance on Friday while inspecting Sections One and Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway with some members of the National Assembly to assess the level of work on the project.

He was responding to concerns by road users and critics over reports of flooding and potholes on some portions of the road.

The minister said that water observed on the median was due to the design provision for a future railway line.

He said: “The median was designed for train. What people see there is about 25 metres wide, almost like another dual carriageway.

“The pits in that area were excavated and sand filled.

“The railway component was expected to commence immediately, but since that has not happened, we have directed the contractor to provide drainage for the median and connect it to the drainage system already in place.”

Umahi acknowledged that water had also accumulated in some depressed sections on the road corridor, saying that corrective measures were already underway.

“Where there is a little depression, water can stay there. I take responsibility for that, and we are going to address it. There is nothing to worry about,” he said.

The minister also dismissed claims that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be abandoned before completion.

According to him, significant progress has already been recorded within two years of commencement.

“We started in 2024, and this is 2026. Section One, which is 47km by six lanes, is completed although the contract duration is three years.

“Section Two, which is 55km by six lanes, will be substantially completed by November,” he said.

Umahi said that construction was also progressing on Sections Three and Four of the highways located in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states.

He said that difficult terrains, deep swampy areas and environmental considerations had necessitated redesigns and route adjustments in some locations.

“Engineering is dynamic. As we move and encounter difficult swampy terrain, we have to redesign.

“In some places, international environmental standards prevent us from passing through protected forest areas, so detours become necessary,” he said.

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The minister commended the contractor, Hitech Construction Company, for its commitment to the project, noting that the contractor had continued work on several sections in spite of delayed payments.

Umahi said: “Hitech has continued working on some sections without payment. That demonstrates partnership in national development.

“I do not see more than three companies that can sustain this level of commitment without being paid,” he said.

Umahi disclosed that construction was ongoing on other legacy projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and major federal roads across Kebbi, Oyo, Gombe and Akwa Ibom states.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to completing all the four legacy road projects initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“All these projects will not exceed 2031. The four legacy projects will be completed by 2031.

“I am assuring Nigerians that these projects will be delivered. We have Hitech, Infouest, CGC and other reputable contractors working with us,” he said.

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The minister urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the Tinubu administration to enable it to complete more transformative infrastructure projects across the country.

NAN