By Maduka Nweke, [email protected]
In his vision to promote local content, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has assured that his ministry would promote indigenous resources, skills and capacity by creating more oppourtunities for local contractors in the construction industry, especially in the use of concrete technology in tough terrains across the nation.
The minister stated this when he visited some flooded sections along the East-West road in Delta State undergoing remedial work. The minister, who said he is impressed by the work done so far, said his ministry would do everything possible to ensure value for money, create wealth and jobs for indigenous professionals and technicians, introduce engineering solutions that are more economical and discourage delay in project delivery.
He said, “We have about 10 different washouts which we are providing for multiple culverts which would be put in place of decompile which would have been more expensive. But our solution is very economical and it will solve the engineering problems. We are raising the road level above the flood level and we are also using a concrete pavement to do it.”
He also said that solar light would be put on the axis when the project is completed. “We’re also going to put solar light and that will be the macrocosm of what Nigerians should expect on our roads under the administration of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister has directed all controllers of works to ensure that all contractors use 70 per cent stone base aggregate with only 30 per cent dust base to form the base of the road construction jobs. He gave this directive when he inspected the dualisation of Sapele- Agbor road, route no. 3 in Delta.
He, however, commended the construction company for their good job. “I commend you for the one I have seen. It’s good, so we will do everything to assist you, but listen to our directive. Follow the existing asphalt, poverise it and put a 20cm stone base. Don’t use a dust base,” he said.
The minister also inspected the rehabilitation of Warri- Sapele road section three in Delta State, the Benin- Warri road rehabilitation, section two, Sapele- Imasabor, Benin- Warri road, section one as well as the Benin- Agbor route and Benin by-pass all in Edo State. He gave an ultimatum directing contractor to justify the mobilisation received within 14 days or have their job terminated.
“After 14 days of this warning notice and nothing happens, I will come and terminate the job,” he said.