The popular Landmark Beach in Victoria Island of Lagos State is facing a significant transformation as demolition for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway commenced on Monday.
PUNCH reports that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered the closure of the beach starting Sunday, stating that no infrastructure would be affected by the demolition.
According to him, the demolition was necessary because the landmark centre was on the federal government’s right-of-way.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Korede Keisha, also stated that the demolition team would commence the removal of the marked property, and anything within the right of way of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be dropped down.
She had also asked all those whose houses were marked for demolition to come to the ministry’s secretariat in Lagos to sort out whatever process was required by the ministry.
Here are some things to know about the demolition:
Project Trigger: The demolition is to make way for the construction of a 700-kilometer coastal highway connecting Lagos to nine other coastal states.
Project Size: It is the largest single infrastructure project in Nigeria and will be constructed in stages.
Duration and cost: According to Umahi, the duration of the construction is eight years and it will be constructed for N15trn. A kilometre of the road will cost N4bn.
Demolished Structures: The federal government claims only structures encroaching on the designated right-of-way would be demolished, primarily shanties and not the main Landmark Beach Resort buildings.
Compensation: David Umahi stated that compensation would be paid, but information regarding this has not yet been revealed.
Public Reaction: Opinions are divided. Some support the infrastructure project’s potential benefits, while others lament the loss of a popular leisure destination.