PDP chieftain hails Reps over suspension of cement for federal roads construction

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  and former Delta State governorship aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has commended the decision of members of Federal House of Representatives for suspending the planned move by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to construct all the federal roads with concrete merge.

Onuesoke, who made the commendation while addressing a press conference in Warri, Delta State,  said the House has taken the right step by mandating designated committees on works, environment, finance and judiciary to investigate the merits and the demerits of using concrete merge for road construction and asphalt.

He stated that such investigation will unveil advantages and disadvantages of both cement merge and asphalt, the area suited for concrete merge or asphalt according to their terrain and economic benefit. 

The PDP Chieftain pointed out that “although proponents of concrete merge road construction claimed it is more durable, they should not equally forget that with the present economic situation in the country, it would have been better to apply asphalt in upland areas and concrete merge in the waterine area so as to save cost.

“If done, a lot of funds will be saved instead stereotype construction of Federal roads with cement merge at high cost. What I am saying in essence is that it will make economic sense if asphalt is used in Northern roads which are mostly dry and highland, while concrete should be applied to roads in riverine areas like in Niger Delta region.

“In that case, the nation will save costs, hence it will be too expensive if all the federal roads are constructed with concrete as being planned by Minister of Works, David Umahi,” he argued.

He explained that while the minister is right with respect to the durability of concrete merge roads, he should not also forget the fact it has its own disadvantages.

Onuesoke reiterated that not until Nigeria engineers deviate from applying one particular design in the construction of roads across the country, the nation will continue to experience the problem of road failure.

He added that while he welcomed Umahi’s idea of concrete construction of roads, he is, however, against the argument that the same thing should be done across all the Federal roads.

“Before Umahi came on board as Minister, I have always complained against stereotype road construction as the major cause of road failure across the country. Check Vanguard Newspaper of June 21st, 2020 titled,”ROAD FAILURE: Stereotypical design to blame- Onuesoke.

“What do I mean? The road construction that is good for Auchi in Edo State will not be good for Yenagoa in Bayelsa State because of the difference in terrain. 

“Now, Umahi is telling us that all Federal roads will be concrete merge. We have Federal roads in Warri, Bayelsa, Rivers and other riverine areas. Upland in Maiduguri, Kano, Sokoto etc where there is no water. I will advise that the construction should be executed according to the terrain,” Onuesoke advised.

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