The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that the delivery of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been postponed to November due to funding challenges. Speaking during an interview, he mentioned that the project had faced financial issues, but his ministry was planning to seek assistance from President Bola Tinubu.
The project was initially expected to be completed in mid-September, but ongoing funding constraints have led to further delays. Umahi emphasized that the funding would come from the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) program.
He also emphasized the significance of concrete roads, revealing that the federal government was considering the use of concrete for major road construction projects across the country. This move comes in response to the impact of bitumen importation on the Nigerian currency and the durability of concrete roads, which can last up to 50 years.
Umahi Dares Contractors Threatening Litigation Over Choice of Concrete Road
Umahi noted that Tinubu, a former Lagos governor, was a pioneer of concrete roads in Nigeria, citing his work on Victoria Island’s interlocking roads. He explained that concrete roads are well-suited for regions with a high water table and frequent rainfall.
Additionally, the minister raised concerns about the excessive piling of asphalt on the Third Mainland Bridge, which can potentially lead to vehicle overturns. He explained that the bridge’s original design intended it to carry two inches of overlay asphalt but over time, additional layers of asphalt had been applied, resulting in an asphalt thickness of four to twelve inches. This situation has created a super-elevation on the bridge, increasing the risk of accidents.
While the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway may be delayed due to financial challenges, the government’s commitment to using concrete for road construction reflects a broader strategy to ensure the longevity and safety of major infrastructure projects.
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