As the impacts of the emerging Eko Atlantic City (EAC) continue to grow flooding concerns in downtown communities in Ajah and lekki axis, the Lagos State Government has earmarked N36 billion to proffer lasting solution to the incessant ocean surge being experienced along the Lagos coastline.
This is as the state government has approved the development of three islands in the state, which are Diamond, Orange and Gracefield Phoenix Projects. The Diamond Island development would rival Banana Island and involved the reclamation of Ilubirin foreshore by SPA Dredging Company Ltd.
This was disclosed Wednesday by the state’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Adebowale Akinsanya at the ongoing Ministerial briefing in Alausa.
The Commissioner said “The fund is meant for the construction of 18 Groynes (sea breakers) at intervals of 400 metres along the entire length of 7.5km between Goshen Estate and Alpha Beach”.
While revealing that construction of each groyne will cost N2 billion and the project, awarded in November 2012, was divided into three phases for funding reasons, Akinsanya said that Phase 1 of the project, which was the construction of three groynes, commenced in January 2013 and had been completed.
According to him, Phase 2 of the project – the construction of 12 groynes – was awarded in June 2013 and work commenced in January 2014.
“As at the beginning of this administration, 4km stretch of the shoreline was protected, and in the last 12 months, 6.0km has been successfully protected while work is still on-going.
“Total percentage of work done so far on Phase 2 is 80 percent.
“Also, the Phase 3, which is the construction of three groynes of the project, has been awarded and work has commenced on it,” he said.
Akinsanya said that the reclamation works for Phase 1, comprising 48 hectares, had been completed and reclamation work on Phase 11 was about to commence.
He explained that the Orange Island development project was aimed at the development of a fully serviced community in the Lagos State Lagoon, with about 450 metres off the Lekki Phase I headland for the reclamation.
“The reclamation of Phase 1, measuring approximately 150 hectares, has been completed and a road alignment has also been reclaimed, which makes it accessible by driving from Freedom Way.
Analysts say if enough is not done to cushion the impacts of the massive reclamation work on former Bar Beach, the current home of EAC, other adjoining beaufitful beaches and seaside residential areas downtown Lekki Peninsula and Ajah axis will continue to face serious extinction threats.
