(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ferma-293x300.jpg) The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)'s Governing Board member representing South-South Geo-Political Zone, Otuekong Idongesit Okon Nkanga, has re-affirmed the Agency's commitment to sustaining maintenance of all Federal roads nationwide under the Rapid Road Recovery programme, in line with President Jonathan's transformation agenda.
Nkanga made the remarks recently in Asaba while addressing newsmen at the conclusion of his tour of the Agency's ongoing road maintenance projects in the Zone.
Among projects he inspected were vegetation control and de-silting of drains along the Benin By-pass by workmen under the FERMA SURE-P Public Works scheme; cutting and patching of potholes along Benin – Ekpoma – Auchi – Okene road being handled by Messrs Fodiac Limited, construction of concrete lined drains at Ekpon along Ewu – Uromi – Agbor road being handled by Messrs. Arc Marine Engineering, as well as overlay of carriageway of Agbor – Abraka – Amukpe road in Delta State.
The Board member also informed the media during the briefing that all over the country, FERMA has completed several intervention projects including bridge repairs and reconstructions, reinstatements of embankments and shoulder washouts, as well as major potholes and cracks through direct labour works and contracts. He said the tempo of operation will be sustained to ensure that the achievement is not compromised by the impending rains.
According to him, the current FERMA Board has resolved that its members would routinely monitor all FERMA works all over the country to ensure they meet specifications, as well as adding value to the national economy.
To achieve the capacity for sustaining the Agency's activities, Otuekong Nkanga solicited the support of all stakeholders at implementing 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.
According to him, to continue to rely solely on budgetary allocation for road maintenance as is currently the case falls short of international best practices in road maintenance management and the requirement for maintaining the 34, 100-km Federal roads which have been neglected for several years.
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
Our bad roads are the major causes of accidents in this country and yet no one is doing anything about it. Sad news