By Ismail Abdulaziz
The Federal Government says only competent contractors will henceforth be engaged in handling road projects across the country to reduce the incidence of delay in completion.
Sen. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that some contractors have been identified with collecting several road projects at once without the capacity to handle such projects.
‘’The delay of contractor completion has been identified as the propensity of contractors to take on several road projects that they do not have the equipment to tackle.
‘’This has led to delays and sometimes abandonment of projects across the country. This need to change so that the renew hope of the Tinubu-led administration can reach and benefit the people,’’ he said.
Umahi said that the President also approved the contract for various roads across the country that needed urgent attention including the Benin-Sapele, Third Mainland bridge rehabilitation, the East-West road among others.
On the use of asphalt, the minister said that contractors are allowed to use it with certain conditions attached so as to ensure quality job.
‘’The ministry is only providing an alternative to asphalt by introducing the use of concrete in road constructions. But if any contractor wishes to continue with the asphalt, then he must meet conditions.
‘’The conditions are that you will guarantee Nigerians that when you finish this asphalt road, job, which you are very sure it will not fail within at least 15 years. The design shelf life is 20 years but assure us in writing from a reputable insurance company and from their own company that this road will not fail within 15 years.
‘’So we are saying that concrete is very friendly with water and so we want you contractors to have an alternative. There is a catalyst in the use of concrete pavement. It will create jobs for our people. Everything about the construction is local.
‘’10 manufacturers of cement have indicated interests to build cement factories. That is good for our economy. It will reduce pressure on the Naira. The road is going to be much more durable,’’ he said.
Umahi called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to the various reforms by the administration to create a new economic prosperity for Nigerians, adding ”no gang up by anybody or group” will deter this determination.(NAN)
