The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed the claims making the rounds that the ongoing expansion of the Ore-Ondo-Akure highway is being constructed with substantial materials and not in conformity with international specifications.
While assuring that there is no cause for concern, Umahi disclosed that the construction of the 86.43 kilometres highway is in accordance with approved engineering designs and specifications, adding that the structural integrity of the pavement is not compromised.
A video had a few days ago gone viral with a content creator raising the alarm that wire mesh were being used in the construction instead of heavy iron rod.
With the Minister expressing satisfaction with the level of job done by the contractor handling the project, he disclosed that when completed, the road will last for over 50 years, stressing that the federal government is committed to delivering durable, safe, and cost-effective road infrastructure across Nigeria.
According to Umahi, who was represented by the Controller of Works in Ondo State, Olajide Hussein, while monitoring the Ajue corridor of the project in Odigbo Local Council Area of the state, in Nigeria and internationally, it is a standard practice.
“We also saw the viral video and the complainant specifically mentioned the use of wire mesh on the outer shoulders and suggested that the contractor use the same heavy reinforcement here on the carriage where we are standing with the outer shoulders.
“Now, the use of A142 wire mesh which you have seen on the outer shoulder is a standard practice all over the world. In Nigeria and internationally, it is a standard practice.
“We use the heavy reinforcement which you can see on the carriageway because of the flexural stresses, and we use light wire meshes on the outer shoulders because it doesn’t carry as much load.
“So if you go to all our single carriageway rigid road constructions nationwide, you will find a similar design. It is not peculiar to Ore-Ondo-Akure Road. It is not peculiar to Ondo State,” Umahi stated.
