Works Ministry Begins Assessment Of Flood-Damaged Benin-Sagamu Expressway

The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced an assessment of flood-affected sections of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway following recent heavy rainfall that disrupted traffic along parts of the highway.

According to Punch, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the affected sections around the Ore corridor in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Umahi identified three major flood-prone locations along the Ondo section of the expressway as Agofure at Kilometre 100, Adolak Junction near the Ore Flyover Bridge at Kilometre 107, and the Agric Section at Kilometre 117.

He said the ministry was considering targeted engineering solutions at the affected points to prevent future flooding and improve the safety of motorists using the road.

Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr. Olajide Hussein, the minister said the inspection formed part of efforts to identify flood-prone areas along major highways and develop lasting solutions.

He noted that the recent heavy rainfall had triggered flooding in several communities and road corridors across the country, prompting the ministry to begin technical assessments of the affected infrastructure.

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According to Umahi, engineers are currently investigating the causes of the flooding through hydraulic evaluations of existing culverts and drainage systems.

“The recent intense precipitation across the country has caused widespread flooding in various communities and along major road corridors, a phenomenon widely attributed to ongoing climate change impacts.

“We are currently tracing the sources of the overflow to implement proactive solutions, including the potential resizing of cross-culverts and desilting blocked channels,” he said.

The minister assured motorists that the Federal Ministry of Works remained committed to ensuring the safety and durability of the expressway.

“In light of increasing climate change impacts, all necessary technical steps are being taken swiftly to enhance drainage capacity, mitigate the impact of unprecedented storm runoff and ensure safe, uninterrupted passage along this highway,” Umahi said.

He also sympathised with commuters and residents affected by the flooding, assuring them that measures were being put in place to minimise future occurrences.