Umahi Attributes Flooding on Lagos-Calabar Highway to Blocked Drainage Channels

Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has attributed the recent flooding experienced on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to blocked drainage systems. He emphasized that refuse improperly discarded into manholes has contributed to this issue.

During a press event held on Thursday, Umahi clarified that the flooding was not the result of construction faults but rather due to human activities obstructing drainage channels.

"The flooding on the coastal highway occurred because our underground channels were obstructed by waste," he explained.

He remarked, "This remains a fundamental cause of flooding in many areas in Lagos, as people habitually dispose of their refuse in manholes."

Umahi called on the public to take accountability for maintaining infrastructure, pointing out that vandalism along the coastal route exacerbates the problem.

,"The measures we have implemented to protect the coastal road are continuously compromised by individuals," he stated. "The greenery along the coastal roads, highlighted by barbed wire, is being damaged and taken by people."

He also revealed that some reinforcement materials installed on the highway have been tampered with.

"There are still three meters to be laid, and there's a connection bar known as Dower bars, which is about one meter in length, yet people go and cut it," he said.

The minister cautioned that unlawful mining and the harvesting of sand are currently jeopardizing bridges across the country, citing threats to significant infrastructure.

"What has happened to these two bridges? Sand was extracted from underneath," he noted. "The sand is essential for supporting the bridge piles."

He indicated that findings have confirmed illegal miners interfering with the foundations of bridges.

"Just about three months ago, a miner damaged one of the bridge piles and removed it," he said, adding that he has ordered the prosecution of the company responsible for the act.

On the deteriorating conditions affecting several bridges, Umahi mentioned that one might need demolition.

"Based on investigations, stakeholder meetings, and assessments by consulting experts, the Carter bridge may need to be demolished," he stated.

He reiterated that roads and bridges aren't typically designed to handle stationary heavy loads and cautioned against trucks parking on crucial structures.

"Roads and bridges are never intended for static loads," he remarked. "By allowing vehicles to park on our bridges, we are inviting trouble."

Umahi announced that the ministry has deployed CCTV surveillance on major bridges to combat vandalism.

"Thanks to the directive from Mr. President, we have implemented CCTV cameras on our roads, including the Third Mainland Bridge, which has made it easier for the Lagos police to apprehend vandals," he concluded.