“Two years ago, it felt like it was just a political conversation, but today people are already using the road. We thank Mr. President for this landmark project.
“Lagos has been the first major beneficiary, and we are indeed grateful because it will enhance the quality of life of our people and improve the economy of the country.” He said.
On maintaining the Coastal Highway, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state had signed an agreement with a mechanised street-cleaning company that would deploy specialised six-lane sweeping machines to clean the highway daily.
He assured residents that the government would continue protecting public investments and ensuring proper maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Speaking on the need for service roads along the Coastal Highway, the governor said such facilities would improve access for residents and businesses while protecting the integrity of the main carriageway.
He acknowledged that some structures might have to be removed to accommodate the infrastructure but stressed that such sacrifices were necessary for long-term development.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Umahi, said the inspection was directed by President Bola Tinubu following widespread reports on social media alleging that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was responsible for flooding in Lagos.
Umahi described the reports as false and misleading, noting that flooding had been recorded across several states of the federation and had been predicted in at least 22 states.
“We were concerned about the negative narrative on social media claiming that the Coastal Highway caused flooding in Lagos. The President directed us to come with members of the National Assembly to assess the situation ourselves,” he said.
The minister explained that the highway was deliberately elevated to withstand ocean surges and protect the corridor from flooding for the next 20 to 30 years.
He noted that the affected areas were naturally swampy long before construction commenced and warned that buildings constructed below approved flood levels would continue to experience flooding irrespective of the highway.
Umahi commended the Lagos State Government’s drainage master plan, particularly its policy of directing stormwater into lagoons rather than directly into the ocean.
According to him, more than 80 per cent of the drainage evacuation channels leading to the lagoons have already been completed.
He disclosed that both the Federal and Lagos State governments would collaborate to provide additional drainage channels and service lanes along both sides of the Coastal Highway.
The minister, however, noted that some structures would have to be removed to accommodate the drainage infrastructure and service roads, adding that stakeholder engagements had been scheduled to ensure cooperation from affected residents.
Umahi also revealed plans to provide modern infrastructure along the corridor, including surveillance cameras, wind stations, parking facilities, tourism infrastructure and other amenities.
He stressed that strict development control would be enforced along the Coastal Highway corridor to ensure it meets international standards and becomes a source of national pride.
The minister thanked residents and stakeholders for their cooperation, saying their support had been instrumental to the progress recorded on the landmark project.