Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has pointed to the inadequate execution of Lagos State’s flood management plan as the primary cause of ongoing flooding in areas along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, rejecting the notion that current road construction is the culprit.
He also noted that the indiscriminate disposal of waste by residents has led to blocked drainage systems, exacerbating flooding in various regions of the state.
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Umahi made these comments on Sunday while inspecting Section Three of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project. He stated that President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Works to conduct a technical evaluation of the Coastal Highway and its adjacent areas to ascertain the real reasons for the flooding.
“We will assess the coastal highway and nearby regions not due to our actions causing the flooding, but because the President has mandated a technical review,” Umahi explained.
He emphasized that representatives from the Lagos State Government would be invited to join the assessment, highlighting findings that the state’s flood control master plan is not being fully enacted.
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“We are involving the Lagos State Government because we have discovered that their flood management master plan is not in effect. There are designated lagoons meant for floodwater management, which are currently neglected,” he added.
Umahi raised concerns about the extensive littering on Lagos streets, warning that this behavior significantly contributes to clogged drainage systems and increases flooding risks.
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“The amount of garbage is evident along our route. It reflects the recklessness of individuals who dump waste into drainage systems. This nation belongs to all of us, so we should each take responsibility,” he remarked.
The minister applauded President Tinubu for his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development and encouraged Nigerians to acknowledge ongoing projects rather than resorting to what he termed destructive criticism.
He also recognized Hitech Construction Company Limited, the contractor for the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, for their swift and high-quality work, noting that they have already completed about 10 percent of the permanent structures involved in the project.
Umahi advised the contractor to stay dedicated to their task, suggesting that the Ogun State Government take charge of constructing the proposed flyover within its area, instead of merging it with the federal project’s existing foundation.
During the inspection, Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, expressed approval of the progress made on the superhighway, calling it a significant driver of economic growth, agricultural development, and job creation.
He commended President Tinubu for prioritizing critical infrastructure and praised Umahi for his visionary leadership in advancing the ministry’s objectives.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, referred to the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as a flagship project of the Tinubu administration, urging citizens to recognize its long-term economic advantages.
He also praised Umahi’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure nationwide and acknowledged the President for maintaining investment in key road projects.
