Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi has said that most of the bitumen imported into Nigeria are fake or of low quality, warning contractors handling federal roads across the country against using them.
Speaking at Otuocha, Anambra East Council Area while inspecting the Otuocha-Nzam-Ibaji-Kogi road, the Minister also said that the era of surface dressing of shoulders on federal roads has come to end, and also warned contractors against continuing the practice.
The inspection of all federal roads under construction in the state is part of the Minister’s activities on his visit to Anambra.
The Works Minister also visited the failed portions on Amansea and Amawbia axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Engineer Umahi explained that under the President Bola Tinubu administration, government must ensure that quality for every penny spent is realized, and advised contractors handling different federal government projects to stick to agreed standards and timelines or risk having their contracts terminated.
He argued that most Nigerian roads were failing mainly because of bad asphalt placed on them, and advised that concrete pavements that can sand the country’s weather condition and lack of maintenance remain preferable and sustainable.
The Minister therefore directed the contractor handling one side of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to use concrete in the road construction to save costs and ensure durability.
He also expressed dismay over the time being wasted on the construction of the road, thereby subjecting the people of the region and road users to untold hardship and economic sabotage.
At Oye – Oranto road, Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area; off Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, A resident of the community, Mr. Chukwudi Nwasinoke commended the Minister for the prompt inspection visit, and called for timely completion of the road, promising that the community will give necessary support for the completion of the work.
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