The federal government yesterday commenced demolition of buildings on the right of way of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road.
The demolition exercise which began at the Mani Chula Beach, Oniru Waterfront was flagged off by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The minister said compensation for owners of the affected structures has been adequately factored into the project and urged those affected to see the greater good of the project.
The minister clarified that the compensation process for property owners along the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project would adhere to the federal government’s approved rates.
Umahi made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Lagos, along with the federal controller of Works, Lagos State Mrs. Olukorede Kesha.
He pointed out that the ministry was working tirelessly to quickly deliver on the economic gains of the project against the backdrop of exchange rate, price inflation, market volatility, global market condition and challenging wallets.
Umahi noted that the government would not demolish anybody’s house without adequate compensation, adding that about a week ago, the federal government formed a compensation committee comprising representatives from the ministry, the Lagos State government, affected communities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
He said the committee is responsible for reviewing, assessing, and compensating landowners impacted by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway.
He explained that the development necessitated the re-routing of the super highway project along the coastal highway to ensure that valuable infrastructure along the coastal highway project is protected.
The minister further emphasised that large-scale infrastructure projects like the coastal road takes national interests and precedence over individual concerns while stressing the importance of prioritizing the broader benefits and needs of the country in the planning and execution of such significant developments.
Also speaking, the federal controller of works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha said the demolition of properties within the first 3km of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway had commenced.
She also called on the affected property owners with concerns to visit the Ministry of Works secretariat in the state before the demolition begins.