The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that contractors to the ministry who insist on using asphalt in road building, despite the recent mandate to use concrete, will face the penalties if the roads collapse quickly.
Over the weekend, the minister met with 46 contractors overseeing road projects in the Southeast region, as well as four contractors from the Northeast, at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Sunday evening by the Information, Press, and Public Relations Unit, Blessing Lere-Adams, Umahi stated that road development, beginning with design and ending with real construction, must now meet the necessary conditions.
He said, “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 repeating his trust in the usage of concrete technology in road pavement due to its longevity and affordability, Umahi added that such roads require less maintenance.
He also urged the contractors to determine whether to use asphalt or concrete, but if they chose to use asphalt, they must sign an agreement that if the road collapses, they would pay 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, ’’ the minister explained.
