Sen. David Umahi, Minister of Works, has told contractors working on federal roadways 14 days to deploy their employees and equipment or face losing their contracts.
This warning was issued by the minister during a meeting with all federal road contractors on Wednesday in Abuja.
He threatened that any contractor who did not follow the directive and reach the deadline would be fired and replaced by other contractors.
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Umahi also warned the contractors not to sabotage the government’s goal to transition to concrete technology rather than asphalt.
He emphasised the need of concrete highways, saying that Mr. President built one in Lagos.
“He reminded me about this yesterday. I believe Nigerians will support us on the fact that when you do this asphalt, there should be a guarantee on it.
“We have discussed the construction equipment and directed that at least every 30 kilometres, there should be a minimum of equipment of eight dossiers.
“Two graders, four excavators, 20 trailers and other construction equipment in line with active site works operations. Nigerians should have one road that is very good,” Umahi said.
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He went on to say that the continued plan to utilise concrete could not be stopped unless he was removed from his position as a minister.
The Minister committed to crack down on contractors that defraud the Federal Government and Nigerians by underestimating the thickness of asphalt and therefore depriving them value for money.
“You contractors cheat us on the thickness of asphalt. The bitumen imported is of bad quality and then you start putting enhancer and modifier. We do not want that again, there is no such thing overseas. Use the type of asphalt used abroad.
“I believe I have called enough meetings on this issue and we must move forward. Let me advise contractors that are meeting and have ganged up. We have learnt that some of you want to sabotage me to prove that concrete is not good.
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“That is a lie, concrete is very good. Go to Lagos sea port and see what the contractor is doing. Go to my state to see what I did. The roads are still there and very good on concrete.
“It is not useful to you because there is no meeting that will make us back down on the principles and policy of the Ministry of Works. This policy has been set in motion and will only stop if I am removed from office by Mr President.
“Even this morning, the directors met and increased the price and I accepted it. The price is only for Trunk A. Trunk B and C will not enjoy that price because it is going to be on a different design,” he said.
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