The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi has pledged to pay compensation to persons that their structures or lands would be affected during the construction of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Umahi stated this on Saturday during the demolition of Lagos Mami Chula Beach to pave the way for the Coastal Highway project.
After inspecting kilometres 13, 16 and 20 for effective passage of the coastal highway project, the minister disclosed that the demolition was necessary since the landmark centre was sited on Federal Government’s Right-of-way.
He hinted that a number of structures would be pulled down during the demolition exercise.
"The project is in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor which is the legitimate right-of-way of the Federal Government.
“Before the flag off of the demolition, I graciously increased the grace period by another seven days and yet another four days and here we are because the project stopped because of lack of demolition.
“I want to commend the likes of Bolaji, incidentally from kilometre zero to four from what I’m seeing, he is the only one that is majorly affected. That’s the only infrastructure I can see that is affected, "Umahi added.
The minister said though some persons opposed the project, but it is essential for economic development.
He reiterated that persons whose infrastructure would be affected by the demolition would be adequately compensated, saying that documentation would start between May 2 and May 3.
Umahi assured that he would in the office throughout the week to address any confirmation or payment issues related to the demolition.
Chief Executive Officer of Mami Chula Beach, Mr Bolaji Ariyo acknowledged that the project would trigger development, though it would inconvenience a small number of people.
He said: “We all hope this is the renewed hope that we all clamoured for during the campaign and we all prayed for development in Nigeria.
Ariyo was optimistic that President Bola Tinubu would implement his campaign promises, adding that the project is an opportunity for him to walk the talk.
“For example, I’m a Lagosian and this is also a development that has been set down for a very long time. It is good that Mr President is doing that right now.
“It is unfortunate. We all prayed for development, and in every development, some people pay the price and sacrifice for the development.
“You might be wondering why I’m talking like this, maybe because I was also on the other side before, so, I understand what governance means.
”Some of us are affected, no doubt about it, but those of us affected are not up to 0.1 percent of the millions of people that will enjoy the coastal roads.
“This is why people like me have decided to also support Mr President and the honourable minister to ensure that this road comes to life, "Ariyo said.
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