The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding the Ore-Ondo-Akure Road Project, shedding light on the allegations of substandard materials and design differences. In a bid to set the record straight, Umahi explained that the project’s design is in line with national and international engineering standards.
According to Umahi, the use of wire mesh on the outer shoulders of the road is not a sign of inferior materials, but rather a deliberate design choice based on functional and structural requirements. He emphasized that the main carriageway requires strong reinforcement to withstand heavy traffic loads, whereas the outer shoulder is designed for occasional use and doesn’t require the same level of reinforcement.
Umahi assured the public that the Federal Ministry of Works is committed to delivering high-quality roads nationwide, and the Ore-Ondo-Akure Road Project is no exception. He described the viral claims as misleading and unsubstantiated, and reiterated that the use of A142 wire mesh on road shoulders is a standard engineering practice globally.
The controversy began with a viral video on Facebook alleging that the contractor handling the project used different construction materials for portions of the same road. However, Umahi’s clarification has put the matter to rest, highlighting the importance of understanding the design and engineering that goes into road construction projects.
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