BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has disclosed that good road network is panacea for achieving food security, ending poverty, improving security, enhancing economic growth and job creation.
He stated this in Abuja at a two-day retreat organised for Highway Engineers and management staff of the Ministry with the theme: "Ensuring Delivery of Mr. President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development."
The minister noted that massive infrastructure development embarked by the present administration across the six geo-political zones is premised on stimulating the economy and improving the lives of the citizens.
He reaffirmed the present administration's commitment towards the reconstruction and rehabilitation of failing major highways across the zones, which will provide robust road infrastructure, as well as alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.
Umahi disclosed that the retreat which was aimed at enhancing optimum service delivery, efficiency, and unity in the delivery of road projects nationwide, was designed to help participants ensure that the government gets value for money expended on all projects.
While urging participants, especially the ministry’s supervisory staff to make the best use of the retreat to sharpen and improve their technical capabilities, he was optimistic that they would acquire enough resources to help in delivering Mr. President's 8-point agenda.
The minister maintained that bad roads are synonymous with keeping people in prison, as it hinders their movement.
He enjoined highway engineers to change their modus operandi and work professionally by imbibing internationally recommended engineering standards and practices, to achieve the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
Umahi directed that henceforth, contractors must mobilise to the site before requesting for mobilisation fee.
Acknowledging the need for continuous capacity building for engineers as an enabler for improvement in service delivery, he promised that such exercise would be institutionalised.
To this end, he directed all Federal Controllers of Works to dismantle all speed calming devices/measures (speed breakers or bumps) on Federal highways in their respective states, insisting that persons willing to mount speed breakers should get approval from the appropriate authority and must comply with the standard design and specifications.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi appreciated the guests for attending the event.
He called for rapid transformation in service delivery in the road sector, even as he presented a team of transformed engineers willing to support the government achieve its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of State for Works, Muhammadu Bello Goronyo described Umahi as a go-getter, intelligent and hardworking.
He thanked the stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of the present administration, especially in the provision of critical road infrastructure.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Mpigi Barinada harped on the need to engage members of the National Assembly to ensure that correct appropriation is made to accommodate all Nigerian roads.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed on Monday in Abuja.
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