The Federal Government has announced a ban on the use of laterite as a base in road construction, directing contractors to use lumps, sharp sand and stone base instead.
LEADING REPORTERS gathered that the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, gave the directive while inaugurating a committee for the supervision of the Reconstruction of Benin – Warri dual carriageway and the dualisation of East – West Road, Port Harcourt – Onne Port junction road in River State.
Umahi said the ban was necessary because laterite has a limited load-bearing capacity and is susceptible to erosion and weathering, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. This can lead to degradation of the road surface over time, maintenance challenges and a shorter lifespan for the road, he said.
According to Umahi, “We are giving very serious attention to the roads between Benin and Warri. The road between Eleme and Onne Port, we are mindful of the site conditions of these roads, the water conditions and the boreholes instead of pot holes on these roads.
“No more laterite, contractors are now to use lumps, sharp sand and stone base in place of laterite”
He also directed the newly inaugurated Road Taskforce Team to ensure continuous maintenance of all roads under construction until the end of the project. He warned that contractors who fail to comply with the new standards will be sanctioned.
The Minister emphasised that the Federal Government is committed to improving road infrastructure in Nigeria and that the ministry is on a mission to uphold the renewed hope agenda of this administration on road infrastructure provision.
In addition to banning laterite, Umahi also ordered that contracts must be stable and that no variation (VOP) on the contract will be accepted. He charged contractors using asphalt pavement to ensure that their contracts are stable, sustainable and can stand the test of time. He warned that the ministry will not go to Federal Executive Council (FEC) to ask for increment because of the fluctuating price of bitumen, insisting that the ministry will not go beyond the N6trillion set aside for the ongoing projects completion.
He also said that before mobilization fund can be released to any contractor, the contractor must have mobilized 50% of its equipment and personnel to site. He noted that the ministry will respect the rights of contractors and contractors have to also respect the right of the citizens.