FERMA to repair 19 roads in 11 states

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency is to repair 19 roads under the Executive Order 7 in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The projects are to be undertaken by six leading manufacturing and construction firms.

The Managing Director of FERMA, Nuruddeen Rafindadi, who disclosed this during a visit by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, said the projects would be located in 11 states of the zones.

Maryam Sanusi, the Deputy Director, Communication and Public Relations, FERMA, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

Rafindadi explained that the executive order was designed to develop and deliver Public Private Partnership with notable investment, so as to close road infrastructure gaps.

He added that the visit of JICA was prompt and timely as President Muhammadu Buhari has recently signed the Executive Order 7 on the Road Infrastructure Refurbishment and Development Tax Credit Scheme.

He said the Order provides a platform for private companies to undertake the construction and refurbishment of eligible road infrastructure projects.

He said the FERMA was ready to enter into understanding with JICA in identifying, discussing and proffering solutions to the social-economic challenges on infrastructure.

He said: “Investments in roads have significant potential for the use of resources, create decent jobs, support the economy and strengthen commerce.

“Long lasting impacts such as improved access to goods and services and production contributes to sustainable poverty reduction with obvious economic and social development.

“Any collaboration that will help advance FERMA’s mandate of making roads in Nigeria safe and motorable at all times is welcomed.”

According to the leader of the delegation, Yasuyuki Tanaki, JICA is a governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance for the government of Japan.

It is charged with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries and the promotion of international cooperation.

The delegation was made up of representatives of different organisations involved in various endeavours that serve as support service to road maintenance.

According to the delegation, some of their services include provision of truck scales to solve traffic accident caused by overloaded vehicle.

Others are provision and installation of LED guide on the road, provision of quick drying asphalt as well as concrete repairing agent to shorten repair time.