NAN-H-18
Communique
Katsina, Sept. 30, 2016 (NAN) The National Council on Works has urged the three tiers of governments to encourage Public Private Partnership (PPP)in road development to serve as a source of fund for road infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Abubakar Magaji, made the plea in a communique issued after its 22nd meeting which ended in Katsina on Friday.
The council urged the 36 states of the Federation to identify their road corridors for the purpose of private sector participation.
It also urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the National Road Sector Reform and Electronic Road Pricing bills as source of funding of roads projects through the PPP.
The council further urged governments at all levels to make adequate budgetary allocation and ensure prompt release of funds for roads maintenance.
The council said that, ‘’Inadequate funding and lack of maintenance of roads infrastructure has adversely affected the national economy.’’
The communique urged both Federal and State Ministries of Works to ensure that contractors comply with the guidelines on road construction.
“The Federal Road Safety Commission and other relevant agencies should enforce the safety regulations at the construction sites,’’ the communique said.
The council also urged the three tiers of governments to consult meteorological departments for experts’ advice before road construction.
“The contractors must provide evidence of taking a minimum of Workmen Safety and Inquiry Compensation Policy to protect workmen employed at construction sites,’’ the council said.
It also urged the governments to place streetlight poles behind the road setback rather than at the centre of the road.
The communique approved the use of standard armoured aluminium cables in street lighting installations to cut costs and reduce vandalism.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Council of Works is a forum where the 36 Federal Controllers of Works, Commissioners of Works and other stakeholders brainstorm on issues concerning road development in the country. (NAN)
ZI/AJA
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(Controlled by Adeleye Ajayi)