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AKURE – The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastline Highway would be completed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He gave the assurance on Wednesday while inspecting the construction work of the highway in Ondo State axis.
Umahi dismissed claims of some of the critics of the project, saying some of the claims were due to lack adequate information about the project.
The Minister, who said he embarked on inspection of Sections 1, 2, and the parts of section 4A, will also inspect Sections 3A and 3B in Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
He faulted the claim of the Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Sola Ebiseni, that the highway was diverted to where some people built estates, saying he could not see any estate along the route of the road as claimed by the Afenifere scribe.
Explaining the reason for moving the highway far away from the shore farther than the planned two kilometres, the Minister said the discoveries after soil tests and the cost implications informed the decision.
He said: “Let me remark that I saw one morning where the Secretary of Afenifere was accusing Ministry of Works of diverting the Coastal Highway. Of note was when he said it was diverted upland because of people who own estates there, that is far from the truth. The Coastal Highway was originally planned to follow the coastline because that was our preference.
“However, engineering is very dynamic. When we designed this section of the Coastal Highway, it was intended to pass about two kilometres from the shoreline. But then the soil tests, which form the basis of engineering design, revealed a major challenge.
“Along that route, we encountered very poor soil known in engineering as peat, extending more than 40 to 50 metres deep. We encountered peat in Sections 1 and 2 within Lagos, but fortunately it was only about 20 metres deep there, making it manageable.
“It is extremely difficult to manage peat deposits that are 50 metres deep because they have to be removed and replaced before construction can proceed.
“We also discovered that the sand we expected from the sea was not suitable. In addition, there were about three rivers or water crossings, each spanning no less than 3.5 kilometres.
“Mr. President had directed that we must apply prudent engineering in delivering the Coastal Highway. Constructing bridges of that length across each crossing would make the project prohibitively expensive.
“As a result, we carried out more extensive soil investigations and redesigned the project. That is what we are implementing today. These are the realities and dynamics of engineering.
“When people ask about the cost per kilometre, they must understand that costs depend on conditions. Imagine removing 50 metres depth of peat and replacing it with suitable fill materials before reaching the design level.
We are very pleased that we adopted a prudent engineering solution that overcame these challenges and made the Coastal Highway possible.”
Reacting to Donald Duke’s position on the highway, the Minister said: “I also want to respond to some of the comments made by one of those who worked with the President when he was Governor.
“I watched the interview of His Excellency Donald Duke. He is a very brilliant man. What impressed me most was that he avoided insults. He was a perfect gentleman, and I am proud of him.
“However, some of the issues he raised require clarification. When he said the Coastal Highway would never go beyond the Epe, I respectfully disagree. He also said the project was not a priority.
“Yet, this Coastal Highway was conceived years ago, but it could not be implemented because of funding constraints and other challenges.
“Those attacking the Coastal Highway are, in my view, motivated by envy because they never believed this President could deliver it.
“The man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean is capable of delivering this project. I call him a divine President.
I urge stakeholders and leaders to continue watching as this administration delivers the Coastal Highway.”
Speaking further on stages the mega project is, Umahi explained that “Section One has already been completed. That is 7.47 from VI to Elepe village. Section Two, about 50 km stretching from Lagos towards the Ogun border, is about 70 per cent completed. Sections 3A and 3B, covering about 67 kilometres, are progressing well, with approximately 30 per cent completed.
“Section Four covers about 82 kilometres, extending through Ogun and into Ondo State. The President is determined to complete it. Section Five, which is about 180 kilometres in Akwa Ibom, is likely the longest section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and work is ongoing there.
“We have another 100-kilometre section beginning at the end of the Ondo section, which is currently at the design stage. What will remain afterwards are the sections through Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States.
“I acknowledge the engineering challenges in those states, but with Hitech Construction Company, the National Assembly and the support of Mr. President, we are confident this project will be completed.
“I appreciate the cooperation we have received. Hitech is working diligently, and our ministries are fully engaged. Within the next two months, we expect to begin laying the first concrete pavement.
“What is currently underway is the foundation work, which accounts for about 80 per cent of the entire project. The concrete pavement itself is essentially the finishing stage.
“Hitech has demonstrated remarkable capacity. Once the foundation is complete, they can lay up to one kilometre of concrete pavement in a day. That means once the groundwork is done, sections of the highway can be completed within a few months.
“I also want to commend Hitech. Their construction methods are second to none. Although they are an indigenous Nigerian company, other contractors should study how they operate. They work simultaneously across several sections of the project, demonstrating exceptional organisation, quality and partnership.
“One thing many people do not realise is that when people say we are building new roads, this administration is constructing only two entirely new roads: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. Every other road project we are executing involves abandoned or neglected road projects inherited from previous administrations.
“I strongly believe that if the kind of infrastructure development President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is undertaking today had been sustained over the past 30 years, Nigeria would not be where it is today.
“Today, roads are being built to last. In the past, many roads deteriorated within five years. I was deeply saddened when I inspected the road beyond the Sagamu road interchange. The first section, measuring 12 kilometres on each carriageway, has been completed. The next 48-kilometre section towards Ore is almost finished, and work is progressing on subsequent sections.
“Unfortunately, many roads commissioned by previous administrations have already deteriorated badly. That is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to reclaim and rebuild Nigeria’s infrastructure.
“To our traditional rulers, our brothers and sisters from this region, and indeed all Nigerians, we have embarked on this journey with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we remain committed to seeing it through.”
