The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, signaled Saturday in Lagos the demolition of a section of Landmark Beach, Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Umahi began the demolition after inspecting kilometers 13, 16 and 20 to ensure the most economical and viable way to access coastal roads without major damage.
He recalled that the demolition was necessary because the historic center was located on the Federal Government's right-of-way.
He highlighted that several structures would be affected by the demolition, adding that compensation would be provided.
Umahi said: “Therefore, with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to Almighty God and commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on our infrastructure development agenda in particular, I wish to flag this demolition.
“It is in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor that is a legitimate right-of-way of the Federal Government.
“Before the demolition of the landmark began, I kindly increased the grace period by another seven days and another four days and here we are because the project has stopped due to lack of demolition.
“And I want to praise people like Bolaji, in fact, from kilometer zero to four, from what I see, he is the only one who is most affected. That’s the only infrastructure I see that was affected.”
The Minister, who acknowledged that some people were opposed to the project, insisted that it was necessary for economic development.
He assured those affected by the demolition that they would be adequately compensated, adding that documentation would begin between 2 and 3 May.
Umahi also assured that he will be available throughout the week to resolve any confirmation or payment issues related to the demolition.
In response, the Executive Director, Mami Chula Beach, Mr. Bolaji Ariyo, acknowledged the need for the project for development even as it causes inconvenience to a small number of people.
He said: “We all hope that this is the renewed hope that we all called for, during the campaign, we all prayed for development in Nigeria.
“And some of us believe so much in Mr. President that he will do this well, and this is an opportunity.
“For example, I am a Lagosian and this is also a development that has been planned for a long time. It is good that the President is doing this at this time.
“It’s regrettable. We all pray for development, and in every development, some people pay the price and sacrifice for development.
“You might be wondering why I'm talking like this, maybe because I've also been on the other side before, so I understand what governance means.
“I understand when a government promises to make life easier for all Nigerians.
“Some of us have been affected, no doubt, but those of us affected do not represent 0.1% of the millions of people who will enjoy coastal roads.
“That is why people like me took it seriously to also support the President and the honorable minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”(NAN)
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