BREAKING: Umahi Bars Contractors From Using Laterite For Constructing Roads In Nigeria, Gives Very Strong Reason

BREAKING: Umahi Bars Contractors From Using Laterite For Constructing Roads In Nigeria, Gives Very Strong Reason

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced the discontinuation of using laterite as a base material in road construction across Nigeria.

In a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Information, Blessing Lere-Adams, Umahi directed that contractors should now employ ‘lumps, sharp sand, and stone base’ before laying concrete or asphalt pavement.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee overseeing the reconstruction of the Benin-Warri dual carriageway and the dualization of the East-West Road from Port Harcourt to Onne Port junction road in River State, Umahi explained that laterite has limited load-bearing capacity and is susceptible to erosion and weathering, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall. This can lead to road surface degradation over time, creating maintenance challenges and rapid deterioration.

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He emphasized that the use of laterite will no longer be permitted, and contractors are to adopt the specified materials instead. Umahi instructed the newly formed road taskforce team to ensure continuous maintenance of all ongoing road projects until their completion. He urged them to inform contractors of this development, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to improve Nigerian roads for smoother transportation.

The minister stressed the importance of road infrastructure for economic growth, education, security, and power in the country. He affirmed the president’s dedication to enhancing road infrastructure and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to fulfilling the administration’s agenda of providing improved road infrastructure.

Umahi mandated the committee to conduct daily and thorough supervision and documentation of the contractors’ activities, ensuring compliance with the new construction methods and proper maintenance. Any deviation from these instructions would be subject to penalties.

He also emphasized that contracts must remain stable, with no acceptance of variations. Contractors using asphalt pavement were instructed to ensure their work is sustainable and long-lasting, as the ministry will not seek budgetary increments due to fluctuating bitumen prices.

Umahi clarified that before mobilization funds are released to any contractor, they must have deployed 50 percent of their equipment and personnel to the construction site. The ministry will uphold the rights of contractors, and in turn, contractors are expected to respect the rights of citizens.

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