FG Engages Indigenous Contractors In Construction Industry, Creates More Opportunities For Road Construction On Concrete Technology
By Joyce Onuora, Abakaliki
In the vision to promote local content as a major game changer in the economic recovery plans of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has assured that his Ministry would promote indigenous resources, skills and capacities through creating more opportunities for local contractors in the construction industry, especially in the new innovation of concrete technology being used in tough terrains across the nation.
The Minister stated this when he paid inspection visits to some flood sections along the East West Road in Delta State undergoing remedial work by indigenous contractor.
This was contained in a press release signed by Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser ( Media) to the Minister of Works on Friday, stating that the Minister, who was very impressed by the good job being done by the contractor said his Ministry would do everything possible to ensure value for money, create wealth and jobs for indigenous professionals and technicians, introduce engineering solutions that are more economical and discourage delays in project delivery.
He said of the project, ” We have about 10 different washouts, which we are providing multiple culverts in place of a decompile, which would have been much more expensive. But our solution is very economical, and it will solve the engineering problems. And then we’re raising the road level above the flood level. And we are also using a concrete pavement to do it.” He said also that solar light would be put on the axis when the project is completed.
“We’re also going to put solar light, at least let it be the signature of Mr. President, and that will be the microcosm of the macrocosm of what Nigerians should expect on our roads under the administration of Mr. President”
Meanwhile, Minister of Works has directed all Controllers of Works to ensure that all contractors use 70% stone base aggregate with only 30% dust base to form the base of the road construction jobs.
He gave this directive when he inspected the dualization of Sapele- Agbor road, route no. 3 in Delta State handled by CGC Nigeria Ltd. He, however, commended the construction company for their good job. ” CGC is known for a good job. I commend you for the one I have seen. It’s good, so we will do everything to assist you, but listen to our directive. Follow the existing asphalt, poverize it, and put 20cm stone base. Don’t use dust base. ”
The Minister, who also inspected the rehabilitation of Warri- Sapele road via route no. 2, section 3 in Delta State, handled by SKECC Nigeria Ltd; the Benin- Warri road rehabilitation, section 2, Sapele- Imasabor, handled by Geld Construction Nig Ltd/ Tracter Nigeria Ltd in Delta State; Benin- Warri road, section 1( Imasabor- Benin in Edo State, handled by Levant Nigeria Ltd; as well as the Benin- Agbor route no 4 and Benin By-pass route 5 all in Edo State, gave and ultimatum directing Geld Construction Nigeria Ltd/ Tracter Nigeria Ltd to within 14 days justify the mobilization received or have their job terminated. “After 14 days of this warning notice and there’s nothing happening, I will come and terminate the job.”.
