By LYDIA CHIGOZIE-NGWAKWE

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has blamed the flooding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on non-implementation of a Lagos State master plan with regard to flooding.

Umahi also blamed the flooding on indiscriminate dumping of refuse by Lagos State residents.

Umahi made the blame during an inspection tour of the Section Three of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, on Sunday.

The minister said that he would, on Tuesday, evaluate the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and its surroundings along with some members of the National Assembly.

“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.

“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,” Umahi said.

He expressed dissatisfaction at the amount of refuse on Lagos roads, saying that indiscriminate refuse disposal contributed much to flooding of roads.

“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.

“This country belongs to all of us; so, we must work,” he said.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for efforts in infrastructure development, urging Nigerians to appreciate his efforts rather than engage in destructive criticisms.

Umahi thanked the contractor handling the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Hitech Construction Company Ltd. For efficiency.

“Hitech, you have achieved 10 per cent of the permanent work. This is mind-blowing.

“On the bridge you are talking about, the flyover, concentrate on your work.

“Let Ogun State Government do its flyover. We cannot inherit a foundation we are not sure of. Let your job be like a service lane.”

The Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Muhammad Goronyo, expressed satisfaction at the pace of work on the superhighway.

“I am deeply delighted and honoured to be here, at this section of Sokoto-Badagry Road.

“The engineer has already highlighted some of the achievements. They are working on six sections.

“This road started from Ilala, a town in Sokoto State, where I came from,” he said.

He expressed hope that the road project would boost commerce, improve agriculture and provide employment opportunities.

“Once the road is built, it is an enabler of growth and development and will lead to prosperity.”

The minister praised Tinubu for commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

He commended Umahi for effective leadership and great vision.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh, described the superhighway project as gigantic, adding that all the legacy projects of the Tinubu administration should not be underrated.

He urged Umahi to continue driving Nigeria’s infrastructure development, expressing gratitude to Tinubu for relentless efforts toward Nigeria’s advancement.

He also encouraged Hitech to remain focused. (NAN)

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