Umahi blames coastal road flooding on Lagos master plan non-implementation

Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has attributed flooding issues along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Lagos State government's failure to implement its own master plan for flood management. During an inspection tour of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Umahi stated that designated drainage points, or lagoons, meant to handle water runoff have not been completed.

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We will go and evaluate the coastal highway and the surroundings tomorrow, not that we are causing the flooding but because the President had directed that we go and technically evaluate it.

Umahi also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the amount of refuse on Lagos roads, identifying indiscriminate dumping as a significant factor exacerbating flooding. "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," he remarked, calling for collective responsibility.

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We are calling the Lagos State Government because we found out that the master plan of Lagos State in terms of flooding is not being implemented. There is a number of designated points – lagoons – that this water is supposed to be drained in. They have not been done.

The minister announced he would join members of the National Assembly on Tuesday to technically evaluate the coastal highway and its surrounding areas. This inspection, directed by President Bola Tinubu, aims to assess the situation comprehensively.

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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.

He praised the contractor for the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Hitech Construction Company Ltd., for their efficiency, noting they have achieved 10% of the permanent work. The Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Muhammad Goronyo, also expressed satisfaction with the project's pace, highlighting its potential to boost commerce, agriculture, and employment.

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This country belongs to all of us; so, we must work.