The President of Dangote Group, who spoke during the handing over of a 25 kilometer concrete road at Itori, Ibeshe, Ogun State constructed in collaboration with AG Construction Company Limited, implored government to review existing methods of road constructing in the country.
Dangote pointed out that construction of concrete roads was a more viable alternative to asphalt laid roads, noting that concrete roads were about 20 per cent cheaper than conventional asphalt roads and that they were easier to maintain and lmore durable.
He stressed that cement which constitutes the raw materials for the construction of concrete roads was locally available compared to bitumen which is imported, especially now that there is greater need for foreign exchange control.
He said: “Roads play an important role in the social and economic development of any nation. I am happy today to announce that in another CSR initiative, we are reconstructing the Ijora Apapa Wharf Road in Lagos State, using cement concrete. I am sure those of you that are familiar with the road will appreciate just how critical it is to the evacuation of goods from Apapa Port.
“The assistance of government is required to enable us to complete the engineering design and preliminary works for the early take off of the construction of this road. Within the next 18 months, we expect to complete the project and bring succor to Lagosians.”
Dangote said the concrete road inaugurated in Ogun State, was just one out of the several corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that has been put in place for the firm’s host communities.
“I therefore encourage you all to join us as we strive to find ‘home-made’ solutions to the various challenges that we face as a nation,” he stated.
