The Environmental Impact Assessment and Social Assessment report for Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has highlighted significant security and environmental risks associated with the project.
According to the PUNCH, the report obtained from the Environmental Assessment Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment, outlines potential negative impacts that could arise during the highway’s construction and operational phases.
According to the report, the rapid and often disorderly nature of construction could harm both the social and physical environments.
The construction phase, while temporary, could lead to significant issues such as site preparation disruptions, waste generation, and increased traffic and safety risks.
The report stresses that these impacts, although localized and reversible, could have lasting effects if not managed properly.
Key concerns include the potential for habitat destruction, disruption of ecosystems, and increased vulnerability to erosion and flooding, particularly in coastal regions.
The construction may also face resistance from local communities over land acquisition, leading to delays and disputes. Ensuring fair compensation and resettlement for affected communities is critical to maintaining goodwill and minimizing disruptions.
Additionally, the report highlights logistical and infrastructural challenges, including the transportation of construction materials over long distances, the need for durable bridges, and the security of workers in regions prone to militancy and banditry.
Funding constraints and technical engineering challenges, such as soft soil stabilization and drainage design, are also flagged as critical issues that require careful management.
The report calls for stringent construction management practices, adherence to safety protocols, and continuous environmental monitoring to mitigate these risks.
It also underscores the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation to minimize harm to local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
