Beach Resort: Demolition Threat

Landmark Beach Resort Faces Demolition for Coastal Highway Project

A Popular Destination Under Threat

The Landmark Beach resort, located in Victoria Island, Lagos, has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Known for its luxurious accommodations, stunning views, and top-notch amenities, the resort has been a key player in Nigeria’s tourism industry, attracting visitors from all over the world and contributing to the country’s economy.

Paul Onwuanibe, the owner of the resort, has invested heavily in the property over the years, turning it into a premier destination for relaxation and entertainment. However, in late March, Lagos state authorities informed Onwuanibe that he had seven days to vacate his multimillion-dollar beach resort for demolition. Beach Resort: Demolition Threat.

Government Plans and Unexpected News

The government letter stated that the Landmark Beach resort needed to be removed due to its location falling within the right of way of a planned 700-kilometer coastal highway. Despite acquiring the land in 2007 prior to the highway plans, Onwuanibe expressed amazement, concern, and disbelief upon receiving the demolition notice.

As the head of Landmark Group, a prominent real estate developer in Nigeria’s tourism sector, Onwuanibe’s beach resort is a significant part of the Landmark site, valued at over $200 million and providing thousands of jobs while contributing substantial tax revenue. The federal authorities approved the coastal road project on February 27, with presidential aide Temitope Ajayi highlighting its potential to become a world-renowned coastal route upon completion.

The news of the resort’s impending demolition came as a shock to Onwuanibe and his team, as they had no prior knowledge of the government’s plans to build a coastal highway in the area.

Fighting for the Future

Onwuanibe hopes he can reach an agreement with the authorities to either move the resort or find a way to live alongside the planned highway. He’s committed to protecting his business and the jobs of his employees, who depend on the resort for their income.

The Landmark Beach resort has become a symbol of luxury and hospitality in Lagos, and its potential demolition has sparked a debate about the balance between development and preservation in the rapidly growing city. As the deadline for vacating the property approaches, Onwuanibe and his team are working tirelessly to find a solution that will allow the resort to continue operating and serving its loyal customers.

A Massive Infrastructure Project: The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Transforming Transportation and Connectivity

The construction of the 1.06 trillion naira ($841 million-plus) expressway in Victoria Island marks the beginning of a massive infrastructure project that will span nine coastal states in Nigeria. With five lanes on each side of the dual carriageway and a train track in the middle, this superhighway aims to improve transportation and connectivity in the region. Additionally, connecting branches to northern Nigeria will further enhance accessibility and economic growth.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Practices

However, environmentalists are raising concerns about the potential negative impacts of this project. Similade Adeodun, a water and environment consultant based in Lagos, highlights the destruction of wetlands, forests, and various habitats as significant consequences of the road construction. Activities such as sand filling and dredging in the coastal areas also raise environmental concerns.

While the economic benefits of the coastal road project are undeniable, it is crucial to address and mitigate the environmental challenges it presents. Balancing the need for infrastructure development with sustainable practices and conservation efforts will be essential to ensure the long-term well-being of the ecosystems and communities affected by this ambitious undertaking.

Financial Setback for South Energyx Nigeria Ltd.

The Realignment’s Impact on Eko Atlantic City

South Energyx Nigeria Ltd. is now facing a significant financial setback due to the realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, which has resulted in the loss of approximately N87 billion. The company, known for its ambitious Eko Atlantic City project in Lagos, is expressing concern over the impact of this decision on their reclaimed land and their relationship with the owner of Landmark Beach.

Disagreement and Compensation

Mr. Larry Akanbi, the Assistant Public Relations Officer of South Energyx, has emphasized that the company is the victim in this situation, not the aggressor, despite public perception. The federal government altered the right of way of the coastal road to avoid damaging important structures at the Landmark Centre, leading to the loss of land reclaimed by South Energyx. This decision has also sparked a disagreement with the owner of Landmark Beach, as South Energyx believes that the beach is part of Eko Atlantic City’s land and that they should be compensated for its use.

While the original plan was to use Water Corporation Road for the coastal road, starting from that end would have resulted in significant demolition by the time they reached Queens Event Center. The current situation involves minimal demolition, mainly affecting the beach rather than Landmark’s structures. Despite not requesting payment for the use of the land previously, South Energyx is now considering their options and seeking a resolution to this issue (Beach Resort: Demolition Threat).

Eko Atlantic City’s Vision and Future

Despite these challenges, Eko Atlantic City remains committed to its vision of creating a world-class city that will serve as a hub for business, leisure, and residential living. The city has already attracted significant investment and interest from both local and international stakeholders, and it continues to grow and develop at a rapid pace.

While the loss of land due to the coastal road is a setback, Eko Atlantic City is exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the impact and ensure the continued success of the project. This includes working closely with the federal government and other relevant authorities to find a resolution that is fair and equitable for all parties involved.

In the meantime, Eko Atlantic City remains focused on delivering on its promise to create a sustainable, vibrant, and thriving urban environment that will benefit the people of Nigeria and the wider region for generations to come. The future of the city remains optimistic and is determined to overcome any obstacles that may arise along the way despite – Beach Resort: Demolition Threat.