The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the ongoing construction of the initial 47 kilometres of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains on schedule and will be completed by May 2025. The commitment was reaffirmed by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during an inspection visit to a section of the road that had previously been a refuse dumpsite but has now been cleared and refilled.
During the visit, Umahi expressed confidence in the reliability of the construction company, Hitech, noting their efficiency in achieving one kilometre of concrete pavement daily. “I have no fear about what Hitech is doing. First, it is good quality work; the most difficult aspect of this is the settlement of the sand,” the minister stated. He further emphasized that, despite skepticism about meeting the deadline, he is pleased with the progress and quality of work being carried out.
Umahi also addressed the issue of squatters occupying parts of the construction site. He indicated that those who fail to vacate the area voluntarily will be dislodged soon, ensuring that the project stays on track without further hindrances.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, provided additional insight into the challenges faced during the construction. She explained that the evacuation of a large refuse dumpsite had initially delayed progress. “In some places, we had as deep as five to six meters of refuse. The contractor was asked to excavate and evacuate it,” Kesha said, highlighting the scale of the issue. Despite this setback, she reassured that the impact on the overall project timeline would be minimal, and the team is working efficiently to meet the May 2025 deadline.
This highway project is part of Nigeria’s broader infrastructure development efforts aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic growth. Once completed, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will significantly improve transportation between the two major coastal cities, providing a vital route for commerce and tourism.
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