The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has revealed reasons Nigerian road constructions are not durable even when same contractor handles the job elsewhere.
Umahi made the revelation on Wednesday when a delegation of the academy led by its President, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
He explained that road construction that lasts 30-40 years abroad may only last for about a couple of years in Nigeria because of corruption.
He expressed concern that though the engineering method may not differ with what is obtained elsewhere, the result is usually not the same as obtained in other nations, according to Peoples Gazette.
In his words, “One discovers that a road which is constructed in other parts of the world, which will last 30 or 40 years, is not so in Nigeria. In Nigeria, such lasts just for two or three years. Though the engineering methods are not different, the results are not the same.
“This is as a result of some malpractices carried out by the contractors in connivance with some unpatriotic individuals.”
He pledged to continue to deliver on President Bola Tinubu’s mandate by ensuring that “all roads are constructed to specifications and safe.”
He added, “This will ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government is not only sustained. It would be seen to be working for Nigerians who deserve to reap the benefits of democracy.”
Mr Umahi also gave assurance to the Nigerian Academy of Engineers that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria would be restored to being funded by the government.
