Minister of the Ministry of Works, Dave Umahi has embarked on a nationwide site tour to evaluate the progress of road projects and determine necessary actions.

Umahi’s initial tour took him to the Abuja-Lokoja road, where he was accompanied by Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. During the inspection, he directed the contractor responsible for the Gada Biyu bridge to halt work due to subpar quality.

Additionally, Umahi assessed the Lokoja-Benin highway and called on the contractor to attend a review meeting on Wednesday to discuss challenges faced during the roadworks.

The minister expressed his intention to redesign several roads with concrete pavement, offering greater durability and a lifespan of up to 50 years compared to asphalt pavement. He emphasized that any contractor abandoning a project would not receive their job certification.

Umahi acknowledged the quality of ongoing work, vowing to support contractors in producing commendable results. He stated, ‘I cannot tolerate shoddy work. Although I’ve been praying for patience, God hasn’t answered that prayer yet.’

While inspecting a bridge under construction, Umahi suggested the ministry should have considered building a ramp above flood levels to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow during flooding. He directed the contractor to focus on other aspects of the project and explore elevated road solutions.

Kogi Governor Bello praised Umahi’s appointment, recognizing his expertise and dedication to enhancing road infrastructure across Nigeria.

Umahi held discussions with contractors, reiterating his commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s roadways. He emphasized his mandate from the President to prioritize road quality and accessibility.

Umahi acknowledged his reliance on God and the President as his supporters, surpassing the influence of those recommended by powerful figures. He encouraged contractors to embrace concrete pavement for road construction, citing its durability and improved performance.

Source: Nigerian Tribune”