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Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, proudly asserts that the roads initiated during his tenure in Ebonyi State are designed to stand the test of time, with an estimated lifespan of 50 years, requiring minimal maintenance.
Umahi made these remarks during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily last Thursday.
The former governor of Ebonyi State emphasized the importance of aligning road construction with Nigeria’s climate conditions. He further stressed the need for consistent quality assessment throughout the construction process.
“I’ve also observed instances where some projects show signs of deterioration even while still under construction,” noted the former governor of Ebonyi State. He was part of a group of 45 individuals sworn in on Monday.
Sharing an experience from his time on the Abuja-Lokoja Road, Umahi revealed a concerning issue. “During my travel on the Abuja-Lokoja Road, I noticed the asphalt had started to liquefy. Travelling at high speeds on such a road can lead to dire consequences,” added Umahi.
“I have successfully constructed 3,500 kilometers of concrete road in Ebonyi State, and these roads require minimal maintenance. They are designed to remain durable for up to 50 years without the need for significant upkeep.”
He stated, “I have instructed my ministry to return all the ‘no objections’ previously submitted to the BPP. We must reevaluate our road construction approach to align with our climate conditions.”
He emphasized that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is fully committed to allocating funds for the development of high-quality roads across the nation. Additionally, he highlighted the government’s intent to explore avenues for cost reduction in the construction process.
“We’re currently examining all of these factors: How can we effectively reduce costs? This is crucial because the predominant concern revolves around construction expenses,” he remarked.
“Although we’re studying the statistics, it’s apparent that many contractors might not be initially inclined. Nevertheless, I’m committed to persuading them to embrace this change – after all, we all share an engineering background.
“I’m conveying to them that I understand their need for profitability, and I’m dedicated to safeguarding their interests. However, let’s also rally for the betterment of Nigeria. Our aim is to construct a road with enduring quality. Interestingly, the government – including the President – is ready to provide the necessary funds.”
