Umahi defends Ondo Coastal Highway diversion

…Minister cites 100-metre-deep pits, high construction costs behind route change
By John Alechenu, Abuja
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to divert the Ondo section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the original route crossed terrain with pits more than 100 metres deep and would have significantly increased construction costs.
Umahi spoke in Abuja while providing an update on President Bola Tinubu’s four legacy road projects, insisting that the diversion was based on engineering considerations and the need to ensure value for public funds.
The minister said he was aware of petitions accusing him of diverting the route in...