(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/nigerian-coat-of-arms-logo-5322-300x281.png) The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)'s Governing Board member representing North Central Geo-Political Zone, Mr. Samuel Bmiyitami Gwomna, has stated that the Agency has delivered on President Jonathan's transformation agenda on roads by salvaging the nation's critical economic routes and bridges from disrepair.
Mr. Gwomna made the remarks on Tuesday, 19 th March, 2013 on the Abuja–Kaduna dual carriageway in Zuba, FCT, while addressing newsmen at the conclusion of his weeklong tour of the Agency's ongoing road maintenance projects in the North Central Zone.
According to him, many FERMA's ongoing and completed intervention projects include bridges, embankments and shoulder washouts, as well as major potholes and cracks which the Agency has successfully tackled through direct labour works and contracts. Among such major projects are the complete wash out of two bridges along the Langtang–Shendam– Ibi road in Plateau State, as well as the 'Total Bridge' in Shendam, which cut the town into two with residents unable to access either side. A bridge along the Kabba–Egbe–Ilorin road in Kogi State was also reinstated.
The Board member also listed several roads in the Zone where major pothole patching and pavement overlay have been completed. These include the Keffi – Akwanga road, Akwanga – Lafia – Makurdi road, Makurdi – Gboko, Makurdi – Aliade – Otukpo road, Anyigba – Ejule –Idah, Lokoja – Okene road, Dei-Dei – Dakwa – Kaduna road junction, Suleja – Dam Site – Bwari road, etc.
He said the monitoring exercise is a deliberate policy of the current FERMA Board that members should routinely monitor all FERMA works to ensure they meet specification and add value to the national economy.
Mr. Gwomna called on the Federal Government and all stakeholders to expedite action on the implementation of the 2007 FERMA Amendment Act, especially the 5% fuel users' charge; 40% of which accrues to FERMA and the remaining 60% to established State road maintenance agencies. Arguing that the Agency's Rapid Road Recovery programme needs to be sustained and adequately funded, he said that it makes little economic sense if only Federal roads are well maintained and State ones are in poor condition, hence the need for adequate and dedicated funding as envisaged in the FERMA Amendment Act of 2007.
He also implored Nigerians, especially road users, to make proper use of our roads by desisting from all road abuses, especially overloading of articulated trucks, dumping of refuse on roads and drains, as well as wrong and dangerous parking of trucks and tankers on the highway.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria