Minister Umahi plans flyover on Abuja-Lokoja road to combat flooding
Story from Christine TOBECHUKWU, Abuja
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced plans for the construction of a flyover as a permanent solution to address the recurring issue of flooding on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
This declaration according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was made on Tuesday during his inspection tour of the ongoing construction works on the Abuja-Lokoja road, a day after he assumed office.
Accompanying him on this tour were Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and various ministry directors.
Minister Umahi emphasized the significance of the Abuja-Lokoja road as a major gateway connecting the southwest, south-south, and southeast regions to the Federal Capital Territory and the northern parts of the country.
Given its critical role in the nation’s socio-economic life, he stressed the need to prioritize this project.
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“We have seen the area that always get flooded at Koton Karfe section and the the only solution to it is to do a flyover on it to fly above the flood level.
“That will really work because it is about 1.6 kilometres which will take five flyovers, you know, multiply by two.
“So we are going to be making a proposal and submit to Mr. president to give us his nod because we are looking for permanent solutions to our problems,” he said.
The minister, however, urged the contractors handling the road project to use concrete, adding that there would be a review and redesign of the road contracts.
He promised to deliver concrete roads across the country, saying they were more durable and could last up to 50 years and were also maintenance free.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello commended the minister for choosing to visit the state as his first field assignment and pledged to give all necessary support to the minister and the contractors handling the road.
Bello noted that construction of roads and provision of other critical infrastructure by President Bola Tinubu’s administration will serve the people better than palliatives.
He, therefore, commended President Tinubu for appointing Umahi as Minister of Works, adding that ”the minister is a field man and will deliver the Renewed Hope project of this Administration.
“For Mr Presidents to deploy the Honourable Minister of Works, just a day after swearing-in, to come and look into this particular problem, is commendable. I think we can ask for more.
“The road is going to be designed in such a way that no matter the flooding that will ever come, our road will stand the test of time, and I thank you sir,” he said.
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