The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said all contractors handling road construction projects for the federal government must henceforth sign indemnity agreements spanning 30 years for road contracts.
GOOD EVENING NIGERIA reports that a 30-year indemnity agreement would mean a legal contract in which road contractors agree to compensate or provide financial protection to federal government in case the road constructed fails to maintain agreed standard with that year.
Umahi, who made the announcement was made during a media address at the Ministry of Works’ Mabushi Headquarters, said roads constructed with Concrete can last for 50 years while those of asphalt technology can last 30 years.
He maintained that no contractor would be forced to do concrete roads even though the federal government’s priority is to build good and durable roads.
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He said the need to ensure value for money demands commitment from the contractors who would be paid to do the job.
Umahi insisted that contractors must clear the sides of the roads they construct to enhance visibility on both sides of the highways.
Use asphalt at your risk, Umahi tells contractors
Meanwhile, the minister issued a warning to contractors insisting on using asphalt in road construction despite the new directive favoring concrete technology. He cautioned that if roads constructed with asphalt fail prematurely, contractors will be held accountable.
The minister stated this while meeting with 46 contractors handling road projects in the Southeast region as well as four contractors from the Northeast over the weekend at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
According to a statement on Sunday evening by the Information, Press and Public Relations Unit, Blessing Lere-Adams, said Umahi maintained that under his watch, road construction, starting from design and actual construction must henceforth meet the needed requirements.
He said, “We will get it right, the time to do a good job is here, If you were doing a bad job before, this period is not for you. Every 24 hours that I work must be characterised with good and acceptable construction that will last.”
He further asked the contractors to decide on the use of asphalt or concrete but said that if any of them decides to continue the use of asphalt, then they will sign an undertaking that if the road fails, they will bear the burden.
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“I will challenge you contractors that the use of concrete technology on our road pavement is the best. The nation is endowed with natural resources, so we should be prepared for the renewed hope of the present government that is anchored on change.“
“My instruction is for us to start using concrete technology, but if you insist on using asphalt, you will sign an undertaking for me that if the road fails you will bear the burden alone, ’’ the minister explained.