Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: FG Plans Retaining Walls To Curb Flooding

The federal government said, it plans to build retaining walls along Chainage 18 of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to protect infrastructure from marine attacks, flooding and torrential wave coming from the shorelines.
Umahi made this known to journalists at the stakeholders engagement meeting organised by the ministry of works even as he stressed the need to introduce a retaining wall at the Chainage 18 to protect infrastructure from the encumbrances of flood.
Umahi said, “We will do shore protection base to prevent the water tides from eaten into the infrastructure.”
He said due to flooding and sand usage, retaining walls will be introduced to retain sand and protect against flooding, particularly since houses along the stretch have been submerged.
The minister noted that the first phase of the highway is expected to be completed within 36 months, with 20 kilometers of the first section anticipated to be ready before the deadline. He highlighted the great investment and tourism opportunities that would be generated upon the completion of sections of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
“And, of course, we also have foreign investment in this project because 70 per cent of this project is dollar-based, on loan as low as 2.5 per cent single digit interest. We will toll the road and Nigeria will recover all the money spent within 10 years.”
He commended Hitech Construction Company on the satisfactory progress of various construction processes, including dredging, excavation, dewatering, sand filling, and placement of crushed stone base.
Also speaking, managing director of Hitech Construction Company Limited, Dany Abboud, provided updates on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
According to Abboud, the team encountered challenges that required excavating 10 meters deep and are working to finalise designs to address these issues.
“The construction team is working diligently to complete the project, with 20 kilometers of the first section anticipated to be ready before the deadline. Marine engineers are providing crucial information to structural engineers, who will submit their designs soon. Once approved, the project will continue with the necessary assessments,” he explained.
Federal controller of works, Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Keisha, assured the minister of round-the-clock supervision to ensure the project meets specifications and is completed promptly.