Stressing the detrimental impact of surface dressing on road stability, the federal government has emphasized its role in causing failures.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced a policy shift during a meeting with contractors at the ministry headquarters, rescinding the earlier decision to exclusively use rigid concrete pavement for all federal roads.
Several months ago, Umahi had directed contractors handling Federal Government highways to abandon asphalt in favor of concrete technology.
This directive faced contractor resistance, leading to delays in various road projects, including the Benin-Warri dual carriageway, Benin-Sapele sections 1-3 in Delta State, Maraba-Keffi road expansion in Nasarawa State, and the Minna-Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora road in Niger State.
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In the recent Abuja meeting with contractors at the ministry headquarters on Thursday, Umahi clarified that the government did not ban asphalt but aimed to control its escalating costs.
He outlined that specific road projects would use concrete pavement, stating, “In 2024 going forward, some projects will still be on asphalt with the shoulders on concrete, while some critical roads will be fully on concrete.”
Emphasizing the importance of avoiding surface dressing on all roads, Umahi instructed contractors to return to their sites, assuring them of adequate funding in the 2024 budget.
He urged contractors to complete 150km of roads in each state and the federal capital territory in 2024, excluding palliative work and special projects.
Umahi also addressed plans to clear the N1.5 trillion project debts, mentioning a verification committee for contractors’ certificates and payments.
He warned against illegal document acquisition, emphasizing consequences for ministry staff involved.
In response, Shehu Liman Wan of Gerawa Global Engineering Company praised the Minister for addressing Nigerians’ need for quality infrastructure.
He committed to building durable roads for the benefit of the citizens.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced this policy change during a meeting with contractors at the ministry headquarters on Thursday.
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