By Chris Ndubuaku
It is no longer news that IMO state has one of the worst road networks in Nigeria.
Successive administrations have done their best but we are still caught in the cage of bad roads.
We can’t continue to blame the past administration because blames won’t fix the roads for us but Action will do it for us.
In 2016 when Dangote group constructed the Obajana- kabba concrete road as their corporate social responsibility (CSR) they advised government to adopt this type of road construction because it’s cheaper and durable unlike asphalt roads.
Let me tell you some of the advantages of concrete road.
It is superior, durable and very cheap to construct.
It doesn’t need frequent maintenance like asphalt.
It doesn’t translate to portholes.
It saves fuel for motorists and protects your tyres from wear and tear.
The Ebonyi state Governor, Engr Dave umahi (civil engineer) has adopted it and its working well in the state.
Some of the pictures on this article were taken in Ebonyi state.
Let us discuss how to save cost.
Few months ago I read that you have awarded contracts for the reconstruction of some internal roads in the state to asphalt based companies.
I will advise you to halt the contract rather let’s build concrete kind of roads.
Since you said, Your Excellency that our dear state is facing financial challenges, I advise you to use direct labour to construct these roads.
Visit the civil engineering departments of FUTO, IMOPOLY, IMSU AND FEDPONEK.
Employ those on one year internship (we have 100% believe them).
Redeploy 70% of ministry of works workers to project sites.
Get a COREN certified engineer as supervisor for each site.
Ensure that commissioner for works and permanent secretary monitors these projects daily.
Disburse money directly to the suppliers of materials to eliminate executive corruption.
Monitor these projects yourself.
From my little calculation, I strongly believe with 12 million we could fix some internal roads in Owerri.
With less than 1 billion naira we could fix almost all the roads in Owerri and it’s environs.
I urge you to replicate it at the LGA level.
Let’s share till this idea gets to His Excellency.
IMO must move forward.
Long live IMO state.
Ndukauba Chris
Concerned Imolite
