Adopt concrete pavement technology to build roads, Reps task FG, others

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, resolved that the government at all levels, private sector and contractors should adopt the use of concrete pavement technology in the construction of roads across Nigeria.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon Makwe Makwe who expressed concern over the myriad of challenges on the use of asphalt for road construction across the country.

He observed that “the prevalent method of road construction in Nigeria is asphalt which has short life span, particularly in areas that experience heavy rainfall and easily develops potholes that account for the high percentage of accidents that cause deaths on the roads.

According to him, “despite improvements in road construction technology, Nigeria is still living in the past by expending efforts and scarce resources in their billions, in regularly resurfacing and maintaining asphalted roads.

“The House is also concerned that while most nations have transited to cost and life-saving technologies in road construction, Nigeria is still stuck with asphalt technology which suffers short time span and high net costs and aggravates the rate of loss of lives on the roads.

“The House is aware that concrete paved roads are very durable, carry very high traffic loads and require little or no maintenance over the course of several years.

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“The House is also aware that concrete pavements are produced from the abundant and locally available materials like granite, sand, cement and water and therefore, the adoption of this method will have multiplier effects in job creation in the road materials sector.”

He, however, argued that “using concrete pavement guarantees durability, cost savings, environmental safety and elimination of the high mortality rates on the roads.”

Following the overwhelming support for the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Works to ensure compliance.

In a related development, the House urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently award the contract for the rehabilitation of Akwanga-Jos federal highway without further delay.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Hon Solomon Maren, Hon Garba Nicholas, Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, Hon Usman Abdulkari, Hon Bagos Musa Dachung and Hon Simon Davou Mwadkum.

In his lead debate, Hon Maren harped on the need to construct the road connecting Plateau State with Nasarawa State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna State and other States in the North East and North West of the country.

“The economic importance of the Road for transportation and other economic activities in the North-Central geopolitical zone.

“The House is worried that over 50% of accidents recorded are caused by avoidable portholes. The dilapidated state of the road will continue to pose serious threat and danger to lives and road users if not rehabilitated,” he stressed.

To this end, the House mandated the Committee on FERMA to ensure implementation and report back to the House for further legislative action.