‘Roads Construction With Cement ’ ll Enhance Its Life Span’

The Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) last
Thursday in Abuja proposed the use of cement for all road construction and
rehabilitation works in the country.

The Chairman of CMAN, Mr Joseph Makoju made the proposal
when he led a delegation of some executives of the association on a visit to
the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen.

Makoju said the consideration became necessary due to the
short life span of roads and damages on the roads which often resulted in the
expenditure of huge sums of money for road rehabilitation.

“We observed that roads constructed with the use of cement
to asphalt last longer. For instance, when there is oil spill on the roads
built with cement, it does not cause any damage to the road.

“But roads constructed with bitumen and asphalt are easily
destroyed.”

Makoju said the use of cement in the construction of roads
would address the issue of frequent rehabilitation and help in cutting down
maintenance expenditure.

He said the initial cost of constructing a road with cement
might be more compared to the alternative option, but it enhanced the life span
of the road.

He also noted that the use of cement in road construction
was more environmentally friendly.

The chairman pledged the support of the association in
ensuring that the price of cement remained stable if endorsed for road
construction.

“If eventually endorsed, the association is poised to ensure
the price of cement stabilises.”

Makoju said the success story was that over the past six
months, the price of cement was on the decline for good.

He further stated that the bad state of roads, which
accounted for high cost of haulage and the cost of importation, were the
reasons for the high cost of products in the country.

He said that limestone, which is the raw material for the
production of cement, was readily available in the country.

“Nigeria currently produces over 28 million tons of
limestone across the country annually.

Makoju, therefore, urged the Federal Government to re-assess
the cost implication of both materials so as to determine where to place tax
payer’s money for maximum benefit.

In his response, the minister, represented by Mr Bala
Danshehu, the Acting Permanent Secretary and Director, Highways Planning and
Development, stated that the Ministry would understudy the proposal submitted
by CMAN.

He said the proposal on the use of cement in road
construction in the country came in good time, considering the fact that the
ministry was reviewing its road sector design manuals.

The minister noted that cement based roads were remarkable
for their durability and resilience.