Visiting the Lagos Bar Beach in Victoria Island recently, I marveled at the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean waterfront. This stretch of the Lagos coast has been radically transformed.

By Mary Ibiyinka Atolagbe

Once a pitiful run-down area where homes and offices were regularly flooded by the sea, it is now modern and welcoming. The beach and adjoining streets are an ideal destination for the many thousands who flock here in search of relaxation. This transformation is the first phase of a large-scale project, designed to permanently reinforce the coastline and reclaim land lost to the sea thousands of years ago.

Eko Atlantic
The multi-billion-euro Eko Atlantic Project includes a seven kilometre long sea wall and land reclamation for a new city near Lagos. The work is being carried out by a consortium of companies with Dutch firm Royal Haskoning as the brain behind the hydro-engineering.

''Royal Haskoning has been engaged since the beginning of this project in the year 2000. It was their idea to construct a sea wall along the boundary of the ocean in order to limit levels of coastal erosion,’’ David Frame of project developer South Synergix Nigeria Limited explains. When asked why a Dutch company was chosen, Frame answers: ''In terms of hydro-engineering, the Dutch are reputed to have the best expertise.”

Taming the sea
It takes more than fifteen minutes to drive over the reclaimed land to the Royal Haskoning construction site. The ‘Great Wall of Lagos’ has been built to tame the power and potential violence of the Atlantic Ocean. Engineer Franco Cheng explains Royal Haskoning’s enthusiasm for the project: ‘’There is no other large-scale land reclamation project on the African continent.”

According to Mr Frame, the preliminary results of the project are promising: “A computer model and physical TD and 3D models were generated to determine the suitability of the structure under severe weather conditions. Tests with the models showed that the wall can withstand severe storms for up to one thousand years.’’

Healthy business climate
Some international companies claim that bureaucracy and corruption negatively affect their business operations in Lagos. But, according to Mr Cheng, Royal Haskoning’s experience is more positive:

"In general there is a healthy business climate. Royal Haskoning is aware of the general reputation of the country with regard to these issues, but also sees good improvements. Such improvements are necessary for the further development of the country. As an internationally operational company we comply with international practices and legislation.’’

Promising future
Having a major stake in the development of one of Africa’s most populous cities is a source of pride for Royal Haskoning. Franco Cheng says the firm sees a promising future for the continent.

"Royal Haskoning has had a presence in Africa for decades in many countries. And many projects have been executed, ranging from industrial developments to water supply projects or large infrastructural works. The company wants to extend its presence on the continent and continue to contribute to its development. The current economic outlook and developments on the continent are promising.’’

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