Community groups and other stakeholders at the third stakeholders’ meeting of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway to resolve controversial issues surrounding the project have expressed strong concerns over the negative impact it would cause them should the government follow the new alignment in the construction of the highway.
Responding to their complaints, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, explained that the original alignment would lead to the demolition of 750 houses, compared to 490 houses under the new alignment. But the moment he asked those who wanted old alignment to indicate by raising their hands, the entire hall shouted “we want old alignment”.
The concerns raised by telecommunications companies significantly influenced the government’s decision which Umahi said was made possible by President Tinubu. This cable, along with the West African Cable Systems, WACS, and a 50-megawatt power plant, are all located at Mopo, directly impacted by the proposed new alignment.