Nigerian Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has reiterated that he will continue to work in the interest of the people which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Umahi who made this known during the Press briefing held at conference room of the Ministry on Monday in Abuja, while promised not to place anybody’s interest above God’s interest, the people’s interest and in line with the renewed hope agenda.
He declared that as far as his asignment as Works Minister is concerned, no friends, no enemies and no companies, this came over the accusations that the Minister was pursuing agenda to change from asphalt roads to concrete so that he could give the work to his company.
Senator Umahi disclosed that he was aware of the campaign of calumny by some individuals who are not ready to accept the fact that things must be done in the right perspective.
The Minister noted that some detractors were set to frighten him so that he will not question some wrongdoings, adding that no amount of blackmail can deter him.
He revealed that alot of work is not going on in the South East and announced that he will be going there on inspection and whoever has received money for a bad job or an undone job will be compelled to go back and do what he has been paid for.
He challenged those who are threatening to go to court to do so because the Ministry has not done anything outside the limits of the law.
Umahi said the Ministry has always engaged contractors in agreement with General condition of contracts which is the standard that all engineers are expected to abide by.
The Minister read out clause 51 of the the agreement which empowers the Ministry to direct a contractor to change from asphalt to concrete layout.
He said his preference for concrete roads is due to the fact that it has at least 50 years shelf life, will reduce the pressure on naira, boost the economy of the country and create employment since there are indigenous companies producing cement unlike bitumen that is being imported for asphalt.
The Minister said any contractor who insists on asphalt road must sign an agreement that it will last for at least thirty years which is the shelf life as Nigerians must get value for their taxes. He abhorred the situation where people are subjected to unnecessary hardship and security risk due to bad roads.
Umahi said the idea of a supersonic speed highway was born before his appointment as Minister but he embraced it due to its benefits.
The Minister disclosed that an advanced engineering company was invited to the Ministry for demonstration which proved its viability.
He said, “It is a fresh technology and it is taking off with the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge and by the famous Shagamu – Ore road, it will link to the seaport that is being done, Fertiliser company and the refinery, adding that 4th Mainland Bridge project is by the Lagos State Government.