Vandalism and careless trash disposal, according to the federal government, caused flooding on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during Tuesday’s downpour. Officials denied that faulty building practices caused the floods.
In an address to journalists held on Wednesday in Lagos, Mr. Olufemi Dare, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, made this statement.
He stated that it was deceptive for videos to circulate on social media implying that the floods were caused by building flaws.
Underneath the roadway, he said, is a drainage system that can redirect rainwater from one side of the road to the other. The pipes in this system have a diameter of 1.2 meters.
He claims that the manhole covers in the drainage system are made of reinforced concrete and can resist the weight of both people and cars.
We are not dealing with a case of a construction error here. Made by humans. In order to make a profit, vandals smash the concrete manhole covers and steal the iron reinforcing.
The drainage system gets clogged up when some people remove the covers and then throw trash into the manholes. He explained that flooding occurs when rainwater is unable to drain.
Throughout the whole route of Eko Atlantic, Dare noted that manhole covers had been removed, indicating that the vandalism was pervasive.
There was also the recent removal of seven steel traffic signs and the theft of around fifty portions of the see-through fence along the route, he said.
He said it was a shame the development was happening and that the coastal roadway, a huge public investment, ought to be safeguarded.
In order to restore the free flow of water, officials of the contractor, Hitech Construction Company, worked until approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the controller, to clean refuse from the clogged drainage.
Concerning safety, Dare stated that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police had sent a sizable contingent to the passageway.
The regions around Rainoil and Marwa Junction have been designated as hotspots for criminal activity, and he mentioned that ongoing efforts are being made to remove shanties and illegal buildings from the area.
A task team and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will step up their efforts in the area to combat illicit activities, he said.
He cautioned that cars that do not adhere to traffic laws run the danger of being arrested and emphasised that commercial motorcycling is still not allowed on highways.
There can be no progress until we act decisively. He emphasised that the coastal route is a superhighway and that any infractions along it will not be accepted.
The route was temporarily opened in December by Sen. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, to ease traffic over the Yuletide season; however, Dare pointed out that the road is still under development.
Additionally, he mentioned that the drainage system was specifically engineered to direct water flow into approved canals by the Lagos State Government.
At the same time, the controller has confirmed that this coming Saturday, the coastal highway will play host to the annual Access Bank Marathon.
From Friday at midnight until Saturday at 12:30 p.m., he said, the route would be off-limits to motorists.
“There will be a complete resolution. Every single entry point will be sealed off. He emphasised that drivers should prepare ahead of time.
In order to evaluate the situation and provide additional instructions, the Minister of Works will visit the project site on Friday, according to Dare.