Umahi warns against parking heavy vehicles on new roads

By John Alechenu
ABUJA — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has warned that parking fuel tankers and heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads threatens the durability and lifespan of critical infrastructure.

Speaking during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State, Umahi said, “Yesterday, I saw fuel tankers parked on the completed road. No road is designed for static loads; they’ll destroy it.”

A statement by his Media Aide, Francis Nwaze, noted the minister’s concern that such carelessness could endanger a project costing over ₦230 billion—₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two.

While stressing the need to protect public property, Umahi commended the contractor, RCC, for the pace and quality of work and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring alternative funding after NNPC’s support ended in August 2025.

The Aleto Bridge, incorporating modern technology, is expected to be completed by August 2026. Umahi also announced a mentorship programme to integrate young engineers into the project, urging Nigerians to safeguard public infrastructure.

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