Umahi Bars Contractors from Using Laterite for Constructing Nigerian Roads

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has cancelled the use of laterite as a base in road construction in Nigeria.

A statement by the ministry’s Director of Information, Blessing Lere-Adams, said Umahi also directed that henceforth, contractors should use ‘lumps, sharp sand and stone base’ before the laying of concrete or asphalt pavement.

The minister spoke at the inauguration of the committee for the supervision of the reconstruction of Benin – Warri dual carriageway and the ‘dualisation’ of East – West Road, Port Harcourt – Onne Port junction road in River State.

Umahi noted that laterite has a limited load bearing capacity and that it is susceptible to erosion and weathering especially in areas with heavy rainfall.

According to him, this could lead to degradation of the road surface over time, create maintenance challenges and quick dilapidation.

“We are giving very serious attention to the roads between Benin and Warri. The road between Eleme and Onne Port, we are mindful of the site conditions of these roads.

“There are water conditions and there are boreholes instead of potholes on these roads.  There will be no more laterite.  Contractors are now to use lumps, sharp sand and stone base in place of laterite,” he stated.

The minister directed the newly inaugurated road taskforce team to ensure that there is continuous maintenance of all the roads under construction until the end of the project.

Besides, he enjoined them to make sure that the contractors are duly informed of the development, in line with President Bola Tinubu ‘s order to fix Nigerian roads for the citizens to have ease of movement.

“The committee must implement the contract agreement with maintenance culture as key. Committee members are to monitor the contractors closely to make sure things are done right.  

“Our contractors can now understand that we are not insisting that things have to change without a reason,  but that the society is demanding for sustainability and integrity of the work they are doing,” the minister added.

Umahi disclosed that road infrastructure remains one of the key factors for the revolution of commerce, education, security and power in the country.

He stressed that the president is committed to road infrastructure improvement and that the ministry is on a mission to uphold the ‘renewed hope’ agenda of the administration on road infrastructure provision.

“I want to say that road infrastructure is one of the key factors for the revolution of our commerce, education, security and power in this country and Mr. President is committed to our road infrastructure. So, we are on a mission and we must take back our country,” he stated.

The minister further mandated the committee on daily proper supervision and documentation of what the contractors are doing and ensure the new methods of construction are followed, including maintenance.

He noted that anything contrary to the instruction would attract punishment. 

“We are not at war with the contractors, but they should not put the public to suffering.  Proper daily supervision and documentation of what the contractor is doing is compulsory.  They must ensure the new method of construction is followed and maintenance follows too because it is part of the elements of the contract and any offence is punishable,” he said.

Umahi ordered that contracts must be stable and no variation on contracts will be accepted.  

He charged the contractors using asphalt pavement to ensure that their work is sustainable and can stand the test of time, warning that the ministry will not go to Federal Executive Council (FEC) to ask for increment because of the fluctuating price of bitumen.

He insisted that the ministry will not go beyond the N6 trillion set aside for the ongoing projects completion.

“Those contractors using asphalt concrete and have achieved 80 per cent completion can go ahead but there is no cost variation because I cannot be going to the National Assembly on weekly basis asking them for increment of contract sum,” Umahi warned.

The minister added that before mobilisation fund can be released to any contractor, the contractor must have mobilised 50 per cent of its equipment and personnel to site.  

He noted that the ministry will respect the rights of contractors, urging the contractors to also respect the rights of the citizens.