By Publisher
The Federal Government is phasing out the use of asphalt in the construction of highways nationwide.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who led federal lawmakers and top government officials on a tour of a plant of KAMSTEEL Integrated Company Limited in Jimba-Oja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, disclosed that concrete is taking over from asphalt.
According to him, 70 percent of federal highways are being designed on concrete to give them extended lifespan after construction and commissioning for public use.
He directed contractors, working on the Federal Government’s construction projects to patronise top-class local manufacturers for construction materials.
The minister also pointed out that patronising local manufacturers would help provide jobs, generate revenue for the government, help minimise the insatiable quest for foreign products at the expense of locally made materials and as well as safeguard the nation’s currency.
“What we have seen here is a kind of what you see in China and India, and we are so impressed with the massive scale clubbed with modern technology used to produce international quality products. It is something of great hope for Nigeria. Because in having a road with concrete, we must reinforce technology, and you will see the multiplier effect,” Umahi said.
The Minister noted that with concrete technology and every raw material, every ingredient of road pavement sourced locally, a great value for taxpayers’ money unlike some asphalt roads that don’t last more than five years.
Umahi assured local manufacturers of support, promising that if need be, specify it in the procurement for contractors to source materials locally to meet the highest quality for the bridges.
Dr Kamoru Yusuf, the group managing director of KAM Holdings Limited, stated that his major preoccupation was for products coming from the company to meet the international standard, which assured that his firm is determined to meet in all its products.
He added that the company’s prime product, Elephant TMT, is an export-grade UKCARES certified product being used for heavy construction activities like high-rise buildings, mega bridges, dams and others.
