The Federal Government has hastily ordered an assessment of Section 111 of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, which was severed by a flood in Bauchi State. This latest episode highlights the ongoing joke that is Nigeria’s road construction, poorly built, unable to withstand anything, let alone the test of time.
A technical team from the Ministry of Works is set to inspect the damage and offer emergency solutions to the Malori-Guskuri community, who are now bearing the brunt of this avoidable disaster. The Ministry made this known in a statement released on Saturday, following a meeting between the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and contractors.
During the meeting, Umahi expressed frustration over the slow pace of projects funded by the tax credit scheme. He announced the termination of Section 1 of the Kano-Maiduguri Road contract with E Contractors, citing time expiration. The minister didn’t mince words about the need for durability in road construction, something that seems to be perpetually overlooked.
He also called on contractors, including wealthy men like Dangote, BUA, and Mainstream Energy, to show more commitment to the projects under the tax credit scheme. While urging the public to remain patient, he assured that the government is finally serious about delivering quality infrastructure to ease the endless suffering of Nigerians.
But can Nigerians really trust these promises? After all, how many times have we heard the same old story?