Members of Nigerian House of Representatives Halt Minister’s Plan for Concrete Roads
In a recent development, members of the Nigerian House of Representatives have halted the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi’s plan to construct all federal roads with concrete merge. This decision has received commendation from Chief Sunny Onuesoke, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Delta State governorship aspirant.
During a press conference in Warri, Delta State, Onuesoke praised the House for taking the right step by mandating designated committees on works, environment, finance, and judiciary to investigate the merits and demerits of using concrete merge versus asphalt for road construction.
The investigation aims to uncover the advantages and disadvantages of both cement merge and asphalt, and determine which approach is more suitable for specific terrains and offers greater economic benefits.
While proponents of concrete merge road construction argue that it is more durable, Onuesoke emphasizes the need to consider the current economic situation in the country. He suggests that using asphalt in upland areas and concrete merge in waterine areas would be a cost-saving measure.
According to Onuesoke, constructing all federal roads with concrete merge would be prohibitively expensive. Instead, he proposes a more economical approach, recommending the use of asphalt in Northern roads, which are mostly dry and highland, and concrete in riverine areas like the Niger Delta region.
Onuesoke acknowledges the durability of concrete merge roads, but also highlights their disadvantages. He believes that until Nigerian engineers deviate from applying one particular design across the country, the problem of road failure will persist.
While he appreciates Umahi’s idea of concrete road construction, Onuesoke disagrees with implementing the same approach across all federal roads. In a June 21st, 2020 article published in Vanguard Newspaper, he expressed his concerns about the stereotypical design causing road failures throughout the country, highlighting the need for customized designs based on terrain.
The decision by members of the Nigerian House of Representatives to halt the Minister’s plan for concrete roads reflects a balanced approach. It acknowledges the advantages of concrete merge while considering the economic implications and suitability of different road construction materials for specific regions.
By conducting a thorough investigation into the merits and demerits of concrete merge and asphalt, the designated committees will provide valuable insights for informed decision-making. This approach seeks to address the challenges of road failure and optimize cost-effectiveness in road construction across Nigeria.
As the investigation progresses, industry experts and stakeholders eagerly await the findings, which will undoubtedly shape the future of road construction and infrastructure development in the country.
