Umahi confident of overcoming challenges on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed confidence in the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to overcoming the engineering challenges along the route.

Speaking on Saturday during an inspection of section one of the project at chainage 34, Umahi noted that the terrain, though demanding, is not the most difficult encountered on the project. He explained that the depth of the pit in the area averages between 18 and 21 metres, similar to conditions previously handled at chainage 18.

“What we are seeing here is not different from what we saw in chainage 18,” the minister said, adding that the contractor, HITECH Construction Company, had successfully tackled deeper sections of about 22 metres in the past.

Umahi commended the firm for its technical capacity and willingness to undertake what he described as high-risk engineering tasks, stating that few contractors would accept such challenges.

He disclosed that the problematic three-kilometre stretch is expected to have its sub-filling completed within seven days, after which the road will be opened to traffic.

According to him, motorists will be able to drive from Ahmadu Bello Way to Lekki without interruption, while section two extends further towards the Dangote Refinery axis.

The minister reiterated the government’s target to commission section one of the highway by May but noted that consolidation tests would first be carried out in March to assess soil stability. If the results are satisfactory, Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) would be laid within two weeks in April.

Umahi expressed optimism that, subject to successful consolidation, the section would be ready for commissioning by 20 May, describing the progress so far as encouraging despite the difficult terrain.