Ministry identifies three flood-prone sections in Ondo, proposes drainage upgrades to prevent future disruptions.
The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced a technical assessment of flood-affected sections of the Benin–Sagamu Expressway following heavy rainfall that disrupted traffic along parts of the highway.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the affected areas along the Ore corridor in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr. Olajide Hussein, the minister identified three major flood-prone locations on the Ondo section 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.
Umahi said the ministry is proposing targeted engineering interventions at the identified locations to prevent future flooding and improve road safety.
He explained that the inspection forms part of efforts to identify vulnerable sections along major federal highways and develop lasting solutions to recurring flood incidents.
According to the minister, the recent torrential rainfall, attributed to the growing effects of climate change, has caused flooding in several communities and key road corridors across the country.
“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,” he said.
Umahi added that the ministry is carrying out hydraulic evaluations of existing culverts and drainage systems to determine the causes of the flooding and strengthen the highway against future storms.
He assured motorists and residents that all necessary technical measures would be implemented to improve drainage capacity, reduce the impact of heavy rainfall and ensure uninterrupted movement along the expressway.
The minister also sympathised with commuters and communities affected by the flooding, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining safe and resilient road infrastructure.