CCECC blames downpour for slowdown of work on Lagos-Badagry expressway projects

The Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractors handling Lagos-Badagry expressway and the Lagos Light Rail projects on Thursday said the recent downpour had slowdown work.

Mr Izuchukwu Obioma, an official of CCECC, made the assertion in an interview with our reporter in Lagos.

“The major challenge we have now is the rain which has really affected our work pace.

“There are areas where we are supposed to be laying asphalt by now but we have to hold on for the rain to subside.

“What we do mainly now is to intensify piling and excavation in other areas so that when the rain subsides, we will fast-track other aspects of the job.

“I assure Nigerians that between November and December, enormous progress would have been recorded,’’ he said.

Obioma said that the Ojo Military Cantonment and the Police Station opposite also posed challenges to the road project.

“The fence of the Ojo Military Cantonment and the Police Station opposite are also meant to be demolished to create right of way, but we cannot do that until both are relocated.

“Although the military authorities have given approval for the relocation, we are waiting on the Lagos State Government to take necessary steps,’’ he said.

Obioma assured the people that the delay would not affect the 2019 conclusion date for the project.

It was reported that excavation and construction of drainages are ongoing at different segments of the road.

Some banks close to the fence of the Lagos State University (LASU) like the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) have also pulled down their structures to allow for demolition of the fence.

Some road users on the Lagos-Badagry axis have been complaining about difficulty in plying the road.

Mr Feyi Olaofe, a regular user urged the contractors to ensure quick completion of the project for succour to road users.

“The suffering on this road has lingered for too long, especially in this rainy season, and I can only urge the state government to ensure that the project ends on schedule,’’ he said.

Mr Idris Saka, another road user, commended the Lagos State Government for embarking on the project.

“I quite agree that there is discomfort due to the ongoing construction on the road but it is expected.

“I am more concerned about the comfort I will enjoy when the work concluded,’’ he said.