The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned that all already engaged Contractors to his Ministry that are insisting on using Asphalt in construction of the Federal roads, despite his new directive to use concrete, which he has assured can last beyond 50 years, will face consequences, if the roads fail within a short period of time,
The Minister gave the warning while meeting with 46 Contractors handling road projects in the South-East region, as well as 4 Contractors from the North-East, over the weekend, at the Ministry’s Headquarters, in Abuja.
According to a statement on Sunday evening, by the Ministry’s Information, Press and Public Relations Unit, Umahi maintained that under his watch, road construction, starting from design and actual construction, must henceforth meet the needed requirements.
He said exactly: “We will get it right, the time to do a good job is here. If you were doing a bad job before, this period is not for you. Every 24 hours that I work must be characterised with good and acceptable construction that will last.”
While reiterating his belief in the use of concrete technology in road pavement, because of its durability and affordability, the Minister of Works explained that such roads do not also need much maintenance.
He further asked the Contractors to decide on the use of Asphalt or concrete, but said that if any of them decides to continue the use of Asphalt, then they will sign an undertaking that if the road fails, they will bear the burden.
He noted: “I will challenge you Contractors that the use of concrete technology on our road pavement is the best. The nation is endowed with natural resources, so we should be prepared for the renewed hope of the present government that is anchored on change.
“My instruction is for us to start using Concrete technology, but if you insist on using Asphalt, you will sign an undertaking for me that if the road fails you will bear the burden alone.’’
Umahi went on to encourage the Contractors to embrace the new technology with ease, which he said would help cushion the effect of dilapidated roads in the South-East region, because of the terrain in the area.
More news later…