Sen. David Umahi, leading the Ministry of Works, explained the rationale behind supporting concrete technology in road construction, pointing to the substantial benefits it brings to the table.
Drawing attention to the Ministry’s official standpoint, he outlined the distinct conditions influencing the choice between asphalt and concrete in the construction of federal roads across the nation.
The President of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari Wudil, paid a courtesy visit to Senator David Umahi’s office in Abuja, during which Umahi made this statement.
The details were disclosed in a statement signed by Clement Ezeorah, the Assistant Director of the Information Press & Public Relations Unit, and released in Abuja on Friday.
In quoting the minister, he relayed that the initiation of the concrete technology discussion stems from multiple considerations, emphasizing that its complexities are discernible only to professionals, not individuals without expertise.
Read also: $35bn Needed To Execute Concrete Road Projects – Umahi
Umahi said, ‘When you start to compare Asphalt and Concrete, it is as if all things are equal, where all things are not equal, because there are many factors why we are emphasizing the use of concrete, nevertheless, people speak about a profession they do not know about’.
Providing further insight, he conveyed that the minister clarified the ministry’s position is not focused on comparing asphalt and concrete pavements. Instead, it emphasizes that contractors, regardless of their choice, should consider specific terrain-related conditions.
The minister said, ‘We are not just comparing asphalt and concrete, no, that is not what we are doing, first of all, for the use of asphalt, these are the conditions, also for the use of concrete, these are the conditions, but there are certain terrain in states that we stressed must use concrete, we cannot change that. You cannot put asphalt in water but you can put concrete into water’.
The minister clarified the concerning trend in the fluctuation of asphalt and concrete prices. He noted that asphalt prices increase geometrically, while concrete prices follow an arithmetic progression. Cognizant of the federal government’s funding role, he urged caution, considering the budgetary allocation of the Ministry of Works.
Senator David Umahi voiced his worry about the lack of proper supervision in public works. He assured cooperation with the Nigerian Society of Engineers to tackle quackery and enhance the quality of engineering services, particularly in the realm of federal road projects.
He said, ‘If we are committed to public things, God will give you new ideas, if you are not committed to public things, you will not get new ideas.’
‘We are going to partner with NSE in the supervision of all road projects and will also emphasis the need for retraining schools across states.’
‘Engineering is wide, if you are a professional engineer, you will not have a problem with professional ethics.’
‘The first job of NSE is to bring discipline, you have to bring us under your leadership so if you hear that a member has committed fraud, you can disrobe him and it is not everyone that will answer the name -Engineer’.