MARGARET CHIDERA
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has reaffirmed his commitment to make a positive change in road infrastructure development across the country.
He gave the assurance during his meeting with Forty Six (46) contractors handling road projects in the South East Region and Four (4) contractors from the North East over the weekend in Abuja.
Umahi assured that under his watch, road construction starting from design and actual construction must meet up with the requirement processes for it to be accepted.
“We will get it right, the time to do good job is here, if you were doing bad jobs before, this period is not for you. Your work must be characterised with good and acceptable construction that will last.”
The Minister advocated for the use of Concrete Technology in road pavement saying that it is durable, affordable and can last for a longer period of time without much maintenance.
He asked the contractors to decide on the use of Asphalt or concrete but if any of them decides to continue the use of Asphalt, then they will sign an undertaken that if the road fails he the contractor will bear the burden.
“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.’’ He said.
Umahi encouraged the contractors to embrace the new technology with ease, which he said will help cushion the effect of dilapidated road in the South Eastern region of the nation due to its terrain.
