By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has emphasized that the adoption of Continuous Reinforcement Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology on roads in flood-prone areas, particularly those with high water tables and heavy traffic, is a significant step forward for Nigeria.
Senator Umahi made this statement while inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of a 2.46-kilometre Special Intervention Project on the East-West Road in Delta State (CH.28+400-CH.50+300) on Tuesday, 18th February 2024. The project is being handled by M/S Truetech Global Investment Services Limited.
The Minister praised the technology’s benefits, noting that roads built with concrete will last between 50 to 100 years, while asphalt roads typically last only about 10 years. He highlighted that concrete is ideal for flood-prone roads, emphasizing its durability and suitability for areas with high rainfall and traffic volumes.
“It’s the best thing for Nigeria, especially in regions with high water tables,” Umahi remarked, reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing roads along the nation’s economic corridors.
During the inspection, the Minister interacted with youth and community leaders in the project areas. They expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and requested that more projects be extended to their communities. Motorists and commuters also praised the ongoing work, noting the improvements made to previously dilapidated roads, which are now providing better value for taxpayers’ money.
Other ongoing projects inspected by the Minister include:
- 110.63 km Dualisation of Sapele – Agbor – Ewu Road (Section I: Sapele – Agbor), being handled by Messrs CGC (Nig) Ltd.
- 83.3 km Rehabilitation of Asaba-Agbor Dual Carriageway, Edo State Border, managed by Messrs Hartland (Nig) Ltd.
- 23.2 km Reconstruction of Benin-Sapele-Warri Dual Carriageway, Section III (Ibada Elume – Warri), under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, contracted to M/S Skecc (Nig.) Ltd.
Engr. Umahi urged the contractors to expedite their work, stressing that President Tinubu is eager to see the projects completed, as he is determined to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians due to poor road conditions. The Minister also called for cooperation and understanding as the government continues its efforts to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
