Flooding on coastal highway caused by vandalism, blocked drains — Umahi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has blamed recent flooding on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway on vandalism and blocked drainage systems caused by refuse disposal.
Speaking at a press briefing, Umahi said infrastructure installed to protect sections of the road had been deliberately damaged by individuals.
“The fence we have done to protect the coastal roads is being destroyed by people,” he said, adding that green barbed wire installed along parts of the corridor had been cut and taken away.
He also cited ongoing construction in Shagamu, noting that the highway measures 12 metres in width, with nine metres already paved and three metres left to be completed. He revealed that dowel bars used in reinforcing the concrete had also been removed by vandals.
Umahi said the flooding along the coastal route was largely due to underground drainage channels being blocked with refuse, particularly from waste dumped into manholes.
He stressed that the public has a duty to safeguard government infrastructure, warning that such practices contribute to recurring flooding in Lagos.
The minister assured that the ministry is working to maintain the coastal highway and other federal roads nationwide, announcing plans to visit Lagos within a week to assess the situation and take further action if necessary.
Umahi reaffirmed his commitment to delivering value for money and thanked the Lagos State Government and the state Commissioner of Police for deploying security personnel to prevent further vandalism along the corridor.
