FG bans the use of laterite for road construction

The federal government has declared a prohibition on utilizing laterite as a foundation for road construction nationwide.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced this during the inauguration of a committee overseeing the reconstruction of the Benin-Warri dual carriageway and the dualization of the East-West Road, as well as the Port Harcourt-Onne Port junction road in Rivers State. He emphasized that contractors must now employ lumps, sharp sand, and stone as the base before the placement of concrete or asphalt pavement.

Umahi pointed out that laterite has limited load-bearing capacity, making it vulnerable to erosion and weathering, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. This susceptibility can result in road surface degradation over time, posing maintenance challenges and reducing the road’s longevity.

This was made known in statement issued by the Director (Information), Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Lere-Adams Blessing

“We are giving very serious attention to the roads between Benin and Warri. The road between Eleme and Onne Port, we are mindful of the site conditions of these roads, the water conditions and the boreholes instead of pot holes on these roads. 

“No more laterite, contractors are now to use lumps, sharp sand and stone base in place of laterite. 

“The committee must implement the contract agreement with maintenance culture as key. Committee members are to monitor the contractors closely to make sure things are done right.   

“I want to say that road infrastructure is one of the key factors for the revolution of our commerce, education, security and power in this country and Mr President is committed to our road infrastructure, so we are on a mission and we must take back our country.

“We are not at war with the contractor but contractors should not put the public to suffering.  Proper daily supervision and documention of what the contractor is doing is compulsory. 

“They must ensure the new method of construction is followed and maintenance follows too because it is part of the elements of the contract and any offence is punishable.”