Government launches evaluation of flood-damaged stretches on Benin-Sagamu Highway

The Federal Ministry of Works has embarked on an evaluation of the sections of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway that were inundated by floodwaters, prompted by the recent heavy downpour that brought movement on parts of the highway to a standstill.

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Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced this on Monday during an inspection of the affected areas at the Ore corridor in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

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Umahi identified three key locations along the Ondo section of the expressway that are prone to flooding, namely Agofure at Km 100, Adolak Junction near Ore Flyover Bridge at Km 107, and the Agric Section at Km 117.

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The ministry is proposing targeted engineering solutions at these locations to prevent flooding and enhance safety along the highway, according to Umahi.

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Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr Olajide Hussein, Umahi explained that the inspection aimed to pinpoint flood-prone areas along major road corridors and devise possible solutions.

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The minister noted that the recent heavy rainfall had triggered flooding in numerous communities and road corridors nationwide, and the ministry had initiated a technical assessment to tackle the issue.

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The ministry is presently conducting a hydraulic evaluation of existing culverts and drainage channels to determine the causes of the overflow, Umahi disclosed.

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Umahi stated that the recent intense rainfall, which has been attributed to the impacts of climate change, has resulted in widespread flooding in various communities and along major road corridors.

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The minister revealed that the ministry is working to identify the sources of the overflow to implement proactive solutions, including potentially resizing cross-culverts and desilting blocked channels.

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Umahi assured road users that the ministry is dedicated to ensuring the safety and stability of the expressway, and is taking all necessary technical steps to enhance drainage capacity and mitigate the impact of storm runoff.

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In response to the increasing impacts of climate change, the ministry is swiftly taking all necessary technical measures to guarantee safe and uninterrupted passage along the highway, Umahi said.

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The minister also expressed the ministry's sympathy to commuters and residents who have been affected by the flood.