The Federal government has directed its road construction contractors not to use laterite as a base in road construction any longer.
Accordingly, lumps, sharp sand and stone base will form the base before laying of concrete or asphalt pavement of Federal roads.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi gave the order at the inauguration of the committee for the supervision of the reconstruction of Benin – Warri dual carriageway and the dualization of East – West Road, Port Harcourt – Onne Port junction road in River State.
The Minister also warned that contract variation would no longer be taken with levity at the Ministry.
In a statement on Friday by Blessing Lere-Adams Director (Information) Press & Public Relations Unit, Federal Ministry of Works (FMW), Umahi noted that laterite has a limited load bearing capacity, susceptible to erosion and weathering especially in areas with heavy rainfall and this can lead to degradation of the road surface overtime, maintenance challenge and does not last long.
The statement reads: “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.
