The Federal Government has made an official announcement regarding plans to demolish 700 houses in order to facilitate the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a project aimed at improving infrastructure and transportation connectivity between Lagos and Calabar.
This information was shared by the Lagos State Controller of Works, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, during a stakeholders' meeting that was convened to discuss the progress of the multi-billion-naira highway project. Kesha revealed that the number of houses to be demolished has been reduced significantly compared to earlier projections, thanks to careful planning and decision-making regarding the project's route.
In her statement, she emphasized that while the original estimate called for the demolition of around 1,500 houses, the current plan will require less than 700 houses to be demolished. She noted that the government had taken the most economical and feasible route in order to minimize disruption to the affected communities while still achieving the project's goals.
Kesha also praised the pace and efficiency of the construction process, highlighting that Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which spans a distance of 47.4 kilometers, has already been awarded for construction. This marks a significant milestone in the realization of the ambitious project.
In addressing concerns raised by communities affected by the project, particularly those worried about the alignment of the road, Kesha explained that while the alignment was initially set by a previous project contractor, the Federal Government was not obligated to adhere to those original plans. Instead, the government has chosen the most feasible and economically viable route to ensure the project meets both present and future needs.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, also spoke at the meeting, underscoring the national importance of the Lagos-Calabar highway project. He described it as a transformative initiative that would not only help alleviate traffic congestion but also generate carbon credits due to its environmentally conscious design. According to Umahi, the new highway will facilitate the evacuation of traffic out of Lagos and provide significant long-term benefits for the region.
Umahi further explained that the project is not just about addressing current transportation needs but also about planning for future growth and development. He emphasized that the highway will include infrastructure such as a rail line, with provisions for train stations and other related developments that will support future economic and population growth. The highway's design includes a 12-meter gap in the middle for the rail line, further enhancing its functionality.
In his remarks, Umahi also highlighted some of the challenges faced in constructing Section Two of the highway, particularly in industrial areas like the Dangote refinery. The minister mentioned that the construction of a flyover to navigate over critical infrastructure, such as the refinery and fertilizer plant, is ongoing. The flyover will span 60 meters in its first section, with subsequent spans of 41.6 meters, counterbalanced by additional spans of 22 to 23 meters.
Umahi assured the public that similar construction work has already started in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, with plans to extend to other states in the coming months. He also discussed the Sokoto-Badagry legacy project, noting that the third section of the project, starting from Badagry, will face engineering challenges due to the presence of three kilometers of rivers along the route. However, Umahi expressed confidence that the government is exploring four strategic solutions to address these challenges.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is part of a broader initiative involving four interconnected legacy infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across Nigeria. According to Umahi, these projects are designed to ensure that no region is left behind in terms of economic development and infrastructure progress. One corridor runs from Calabar through Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Abuja, while another extends from Abuja to Makurdi, Keffi, Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, and Gombe.
Umahi concluded the meeting by reminding the public of the importance of maintaining and protecting the nation's infrastructure, warning against any misuse that could undermine the success of these transformative projects.