Former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, stated during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily that he constructed roads in Ebonyi State that are designed to last for 50 years without requiring maintenance. He emphasized the importance of building roads suited to Nigeria’s climate conditions.
Umahi expressed concern about the deteriorating state of some roads and stressed that it is vital to construct roads that can withstand the country’s temperature and usage. He used the example of the Abuja-Lokoja Road where the asphalt was reportedly melting due to excessive heat and speed.
During his tenure as governor, Umahi claimed to have built 3,500 kilometers of concrete roads in Ebonyi State, asserting that these roads are designed to be maintenance-free for half a century.
Regarding the cost of road construction, Umahi mentioned that the government is exploring ways to reduce expenses. He noted the willingness of the Tinubu administration to allocate funds for quality road construction, but also urged contractors to collaborate in order to build durable roads.
Umahi emphasized that while the government provides funding, contractors should prioritize building roads that can withstand the test of time, and he pledged to protect their profits as long as they contribute to constructing long-lasting infrastructure.