TheCable

David Umahi, minister of works, says contractors using asphalt in road construction in the country must sign a 30-year durability agreement for the projects.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, Umahi said such contractors would not be stopped from using their preferred raw materials but must sign the durability agreement.

The former Ebonyi governor said taxpayers must get value for their money, adding that contractors will no longer be paid for shoddy work.

“We are not stopping asphalt works but it is not possible to be paid for a job that we know will not stand for five years,” he said.

“Nigerians must get value for their money paid as tax. Enough of contractors doing shoddy work and getting paid for it.

“The concrete road when properly done will last for 50 years and we have success where we have done that apart from the one I did in Ebonyi.

“Before I left office, we delivered Abakaliki Ridgeway Road, which was funded by the African Development Bank.”

Last Friday, the minister said the federal government was considering making use of concrete for the construction of major roads in the country.

He had said the federal government would redesign yet-to-be-completed road projects to concrete pavements.

Umahi raised concerns about how budgetary allocation hinders contractors from completing road projects timeously.