Some Structures Will Be Removed’ – Tinubu Administration Prepares For More Coastal Highway Demolitions

According to reports, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during a joint inspection of the coastal highway ordered by President Bola Tinubu following concerns raised over flooding in some areas of Lagos.

The inspection exercise brought together officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment, members of the National Assembly, contractors, consultants and presidential aides.

Umahi dismissed claims that the coastal highway project was responsible for flooding in communities along the route, stating that technical assessments revealed the drainage systems around the corridor were operating according to design.

The minister explained that the highway had, in some areas, helped channel floodwater from one location to another, while attributing the flooding challenges to factors such as blocked drainage channels, improper waste disposal, illegal reclamation of waterways and developments carried out without adequate flood planning.

He said the Federal Government would partner with the Lagos State Government to implement a comprehensive flood-control strategy, which would involve the construction of additional drainage facilities, service lanes and the reopening of obstructed water channels.

“Some buildings must have to go to solve this problem,” Umahi stated, adding that property owners affected by the exercise would receive compensation where applicable in accordance with government policies.

Speaking on the situation around Alpha Beach, the minister noted that flooding in the area existed before the commencement of the coastal highway project. He attributed the problem partly to developments on low-lying land without sufficient consideration for environmental conditions and flood risks.

Umahi called for stricter compliance with planning regulations in future developments and warned residents against activities such as dumping refuse into drainage channels and damaging public infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-West, Moremi Ojudu, said the Federal Government would commence awareness campaigns in communities affected by flooding.

Ojudu maintained that the coastal highway project was not responsible for flooding issues in residential areas, urging residents, community associations and local leaders to support proper waste management and regular maintenance of drainage systems.

The Managing Director of Hitech Construction Company, Danny Abboud, also assured that the company would work to clear blocked culverts, remove waste obstructing drainage channels and monitor water movement along the highway corridor.