In a bold and decisive move to address the perennial flooding woes that have long plagued the Abuja-Lokoja highway, the newly appointed Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced a visionary plan to construct a cutting-edge flyover as a lasting solution.
The minister’s proclamation was made during his inaugural tour of inspection, conducted alongside the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and key ministry officials, a day following his official assumption of office.
The Abuja-Lokoja road stands as a crucial lifeline that seamlessly connects the southwestern, south-southern, and southeastern regions with the Federal Capital Territory and the northern expanse of the nation.
Minister Umahi stressed the paramount importance of this arterial passage, emphasizing that its role in the socio-economic fabric of the country could not be overstated.
Surveying the road’s ongoing construction works, the minister pinpointed the vulnerable section at Koton Karfe, where inundation has been a recurring nightmare
“We have seen the area that always gets flooded at Koton Karfe section and 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 kilometers which will take five flyovers, you know, multiplied by two.
“So we are going to be making a proposal and submit it 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.
Governor Yahaya Bello echoed the sentiment of collaboration and advancement, lauding the minister’s dedication to his inaugural field assignment. Bello pledged full support to both Minister Umahi and the team of contractors tasked with actualizing this ambitious project.
The governor applauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its holistic approach to infrastructural development, asserting that tangible investments in critical infrastructure would undoubtedly outshine mere palliative efforts.
The governor also commended President Tinubu for selecting David Umahi as Minister of Works, citing his proactive and hands-on approach as pivotal to the success of the Renewed Hope initiative.
“For Mr. Presidents to deploy the Honourable Minister for walks in 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.”
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