Addressing affected property owners along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the Federal Government announces the suspension of compensation payments starting from Kilometer Seven due to modifications to the original plan.
During a recent inspection of various road projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Tax Credit Route, and Eleko, Minister of Works Dave Umahi shared updates on the compensation process.
Umahi highlighted the government’s efforts to resolve compensation issues caused by significant infrastructural impact by reducing the corridor from Phase Two, Section Two of the coastal route to 55km of effective pavements, incorporating 10 train tracks.
Notably, around N10 billion has been disbursed in compensation payments thus far.
Umahi explained, “Compensation payments are temporarily halted from Kilometer Seven following route adjustments, especially concerning the white sand beach.
“With the corridor now narrowed down to 55 effective pavements and 10 train tracks, changes have been made to enhance project efficiency.
“We trimmed down the tracks from 55 to 20 and are now revisiting the initial stages of this development.”
Upon completion of the review process, compensation disbursements will resume as planned.
“New enumerators will be engaged for Section Two to provide fresh insights,” Umahi added.
” This will expedite the process significantly,” he assured.
Umahi emphasized the preservation of numerous properties throughout the project.
He noted, ” We safeguarded vital cables and the entire Okunaja community by rerouting through a marshland instead.
” Despite some objections claiming route adjustment to the marshland, citing gazetted areas for destruction of cables.
“It’s somewhat amusing dealing with such perspectives,” he remarked.
” Hopefully, a rational approach will prevail in due course.”
Source: NAN