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Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has announced the Federal Government’s plan to redesign the Akure/Ado Ekiti road and other Nigerian roads using concrete technology to enhance their durability. Speaking during an inspection of federal roads in Akure, Ondo State, Umahi emphasised the benefits of concrete roads, citing their longer lifespan of 50 years compared to asphalt, which typically lasts for 15 years.
He stated that concrete roads are not only cost-effective but also promote local content by reducing the pressure on the Naira caused by bitumen importation.
The Minister highlighted that ongoing road construction contracts that are still below 20 percent completion will be redesigned to incorporate concrete pavement roads. He stressed that the introduction of concrete technology is aimed at reducing maintenance costs. Umahi acknowledged the dynamic nature of the road construction sector, where materials’ prices fluctuate, making it challenging to ensure the lifespan of roads.
Umahi discussed challenges in the road construction sector, including the decreasing quality of imported bitumen and the high cost of petroleum products. He expressed the government’s commitment to introducing a concrete road department to address these issues.
The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended Minister Umahi’s efforts and raised concerns about the deteriorating state of most federal roads in the state. He specifically called for the dualization of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road and the rehabilitation of the Ore-Okitipupa axis, among other federal roads in Ondo State. Aiyedatiwa credited previous interventions for the current motorable state of these roads.
Peoplesmind
