The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced an assessment of flood-damaged sections of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway after recent heavy rainfall disrupted traffic along parts of the highway.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the affected areas in the Ore corridor of Odigbo Local Government Area, Ondo State.
Umahi identified the three major flood-prone points on the Ondo stretch of the expressway as Agofure at Km 100, Adolak Junction near the Ore Flyover Bridge at Km 107, and the Agric Section at Km 117.
He said the ministry is considering specific engineering solutions for the affected locations to mitigate future flooding and enhance the safety of motorists using the highway.
Umahi, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr Olajide Hussein, said the inspection was to identify flood-prone locations along major road corridors and find possible solutions.
The minister said the recent intense rainfall had resulted in flooding in several communities and road corridors across the country, adding that the ministry had commenced technical evaluation to address the challenge.
He disclosed that the ministry was currently examining the causes of the overflow through hydraulic evaluation of existing culverts and drainage channels.
“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,” the minister said.
He assured road users that the ministry was committed to ensuring the safety and stability 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 expressed the ministry’s sympathy to commuters and residents affected by the flood.
