By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has urged contractors in the country to build quality roads that could last for 30years.
Umahi stated this yesterday in Abuja, during a press conference while expressing worry about the substandard roads across the country, saying things must be done right.
Umahi disclosed that there are accusations that, he was pursuing the idea of changing asphalt roads to concrete roads in order for him to give out contracts work to his company.
“ I have no friends, no enemies and no companies as far as my assignment as the Minister of Works is concerned. Iam working for people interest and in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.
He explained the reason why he preferred concrete road saying it due to the fact that, it has at least 50 years shelf life .
“It will also reduce the pressure on Naira and boost the economy of the country and create employment. And since there are Indigenous companies producing cement unlike the bitumen that is being imported for asphalt.
The Minister said any contractor who insists on asphalt road must sign an agreement that it will last for at least thirty years which is the shelf life as Nigerians must get value for their taxes.
He abhorred the situation where people are subjected to unnecessary hardship and security risk due to bad roads.
He said the Ministry has always engaged its contractors in agreement with the General condition of contracts which is the standard that all engineers are expected to abide by.
He read out clause 51 of the the agreement which empowers the Ministry to direct a contractor to change from asphalt to concrete layout.
Meanwhile, He denied the allegation that he was sidelining the Directors of the Ministry.
He disclosed that he carries along the Directors and accepts their opinions when they are better than his because he is open to advice and accepts superior arguments.
