The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday, said that the ministry would promote indigenous resources, skills, and capacities by creating more opportunities for local contractors in the construction industry, especially in the innovation of concrete technology being used in tough terrains nationwide.
Umahi stated this when he paid inspection visits to some flood sections along the East-West Road in Delta State, which are undergoing remedial work by an indigenous contractor, Messrs True Tech Nigeria Ltd.
He added that he was impressed by the quality of work done, noting that indigenous contractors would get more jobs.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the minister, Orji Uchenna Orji, which was made available to The Guardian in Abakaliki, Umahi said his ministry would do everything possible to ensure that there is value for money, creating wealth and jobs for indigenous professionals and technicians.
He said: “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.
Similarly, the minister, during his inspection of the dualisation of Sapele-Agbor Road, route no. 3, in Delta State, handled by CGC Nigeria Ltd, directed all controllers of works to ensure that all contractors use 70 per cent stone base aggregate with only 30 per cent dust base to form the base of the road construction.
He said: “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, pulverise it and put a 20 cm stone base. Don’t use dust.”
ALSO, Umahi has issued a marching order to contractors handling Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Lokoja Road to justify the funds released to them by the Federal Government or risk termination of their contracts.
Umahi gave the directive during his inspection visit to various project sites in Edo State, saying that they had released funds to the contractors handling federal projects for them to commence immediate rehabilitation works on them or be blacklisted.
While meeting with Edo State Governor, Goodwin Obaseki, the minister described as unacceptable the delay of contractors after being fully mobilised to site.
On the recent protest along the Jattu axis of the Benin-Auchi highway by the residents of the area, which disrupted vehicular movements, Umahi said they have met with the governor to brainstorm on measures to tackle the issues affecting the progress of work in the area.
