David Umahi, Minister of Works, has said that the ministry will construct a flyover as a permanent solution to end the incessant flooding on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
The Umahi stated this on Tuesday, August 22, during his tour to inspect ongoing construction works on the Abuja-Lokoja road.
The former Ebonyi state governor, alongside the Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, and some directors in the ministry, visited some work sites on the road.
According to Umahi, the Abuja-Lokoja road is a major gateway that links the southwest, south-south and southeast regions to the Federal Capital Territory and the northern part of the country.
Umahi noted that priority should, therefore, be given to it due to its critical role in the socio-economic life of the country.
“We have seen the area that always gets flooded at the Koton Karfe section, and the only solution to it is to do a flyover on it to fly above the flood level,” Umahi said.
“That will really work because it is about 1.6 kilometres 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 added.
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 are more durable and could last up to 50 years and are also maintenance-free.
