The Federal Government has responded to public concerns about the deteriorating conditions of several federal roads across the country, pledging immediate action to address the situation with the approval of $300 billion for road projects.
The Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, released a statement on Monday outlining the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure.
In the statement, Minister Umahi acknowledged the challenges inherited from the previous administration and emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to resolving them.
“Without prejudice to all the good efforts of the past administration on road infrastructure development, the work to be done to change the ugly state of our roads is quite enormous,” Umahi said.
He revealed that with the recently approved 2023 Supplementary Budget of $300 billion for the Ministry of Works, which includes $100 billion for immediate palliative works in 36 states and the FCT, and $200 billion for ongoing and new critical road projects, Tinubu has directed that these palliative projects commence before December 1, 2023.
The Minister assured the public that the engagement of the ministry would be a holistic approach to road infrastructure development, involving the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency in all 36 states and the FCT.
In an effort to enhance transparency and accountability, Umahi called on the public to supervise contractors engaged in palliative works and ongoing projects.
“All poorly constructed roads should be photographed and reported immediately… showing the name of the contractor, the location and type of contract, and defects observed,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about the use of asphalt and concrete pavement in road construction, Umahi clarified that asphalt is not prohibited, but contractors are encouraged to consider using concrete pavement, especially for projects with a design shelf life of 50 years.
The Minister emphasized that the new policy is not in violation of any existing contracts, and the ministry is committed to ensuring that all road projects are constructed to the highest standards.
He highlighted that effective December 1, there would be a revolution in the ways and methods the ministry supervises its projects nationwide, and anyone found culpable in their assignment would not be spared.
Directors of works in the 36 states and FCT, as well as FERMA, have been directed to audit all projects, including equipment, personnel, financial status, challenges, and completion percentage by November 30, 2023.
