Lawmakers Box Umahi Into A Corner

* Suspend the introduction of concrete roads in Nigeria

By Uke N. Uke

Pressure groups, including contractors handling road projects may have won round one against the proposed plan by the Federal Ministry of Works to introduce the use of concrete technology.

Reports indicate that a motion tabled on the floor of Nigeria’s House of Representatives which sailed through the other day has put a hold on the implementation of the Ministry’s new roads construction strategy.

The adoption of the new rule in road construction, the House noted, would be premised on the outcome of an investigation authorized by it.

Parliament’s investigation which will weigh the pros and cons of the new decision to rely heavily on concrete technology is to be concluded within three weeks.

 

Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, who is hoping to erect sustainable road networks came up with a concept that would ensure concrete is utilized.

Although the Ministry reckons that the use of concrete would more likely provide new generation roads with a longer lifespan through the provision of effective stone bases, the House which thinks the Ministry did not look at the implications of its action, suspended the move.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Khadija Ibrahim urged his colleagues to order a halt on the adoption of concrete technology by the Ministry of Works, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.

The House resolved to “urge the Federal Ministry of Works to suspend in the interim, the wholesome adoption of cement concrete for road construction pending the outcome of the investigation.”

It equally mandated “the Committees on Works, Environment, Finance and Judiciary to investigate the merit
and demerit of using cement concrete for road construction and asphalt and report back within
three (3) weeks for further legislative action.”

Many roads built at huge costs have been unable to survive after they are commissioned and put to use.

Experts say the reason for the failure of such roads may not be far-fetched. They include the way the roads are compacted, the absence of solid stone bases and use of inferior construction materials by contractors.

But the House in adopting the motion expressed serious reservations over the implementation of a process that may lead to contract breaches, litigations and unforeseen technical issues which the system cannot afford at this time.

Full Text Of The Motion Suspending Reliance On The Use Of Concrete Technology In Road Construction

“The House:

“Notes that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has several ongoing road contracts across the country, including those awarded under the Federal Government Road
Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS), Executive Order 007 Phase II by NNPC valued at over Nl.4 trillion;

“Also notes that the Federal Executive Council approved the awards of the contracts to which the Federal Ministry of Works, Department of Highway (bridges and design), in preparation for the implementation of the project;

“Further notes that a due process certificate of “No Objection” was granted by the Bureau of Public
Procurement to the Federal Ministry of Works for the construction and rehabilitation of all the Federal
road projects;.

“Aware that the Contractors submitted a Performance Guarantee of 10% of the contract sum to secure
successful project completion;

“Concerned that the contract Agreements have strict liquidated damages Clauses with the supervision and monitoring by the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure that standard specifications are not
compromised;

“Also concerned that several studies have revealed that the use of rigid/cement concrete pavements in
road construction has significant technical limitations and constraints;
Worried that the Hon. Minister of Works’ new policy on cement concrete pavement adoption without
in-depth studies of the comparative advantages/disadvantages with asphalt may contradict technical
specifications, potentially leading to contract breaches and potential arbitration and litigations during
a challenging economic time;

Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works to suspend in the interim the wholesome adoption of cement
concrete for road construction pending the outcome of the investigation; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Works, Environment, Finance and Judiciary to investigate the merit
and demerit of using cement concrete for road construction and asphalt and report back within
three (3) weeks for further legislative action.”