President Bola Tinubu’s government has assured Nigerians that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project will be completed promptly, saying rainfalls will not affect the pace of work.

Specifically, the federal controller of works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, gave the assurance in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.

Ms Kesha said, “Despite the fact that heavy rain can naturally slow construction progress, the Federal Ministry of Works is committed to ensuring the project is delivered as scheduled. We have measures in place to manage water levels and ensure the progress of work in spite of the weather challenges.’’

Ms Kesha added that the contractors had been instructed to work diligently to ensure the project met its design and completion deadline. 

According to her, the project is vital to the federal government as it is listed as one of the flagship projects of Mr Tinubu’s administration due to its significant benefits to the region.

Works minister Dave Umahi said that the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction would take eight years to complete and pegged at N4 billion per kilometre.

The highway project will be completed in phases, with the first phase starting from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, and moving to Lekki Phase 1.

According to the ministry, Hitech Construction Company has completed the first phase, which is about 1.5 kilometres long.

The project aims to improve cross-country connectivity and foster trade relations. It is expected to go from Victoria Island in Lagos to Calabar, the capital of Cross River, and cut across Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa-Ibom.

The Lagos portion of the project is designed to pass through Oniru Beach, Landmark Beach, and Good Beach/Sol Beach, spanning about 2.5km. 

(NAN)