Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said the N433 billion proposed in the 2016 budget before the National Assembly will ensure that the federal government is able to construct and complete about 6,000 kilometres of roads before 2019.
Defending his ministry’s budget before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Power, Works and Housing, Tuesday, Fashola said the planned massive construction of roads is intended to drive the country’s economy.
He provided the plan for the construction: 31 projects resulting in 2,902kilometres of roads in the first year, 55 projects resulting in 2,663 kilometres of roads in the second year and 49 projects resulting in 2,059 kilometres of roads in the third year.
Construction of the roads are prioritised for roads of economic importance, roads with heavy traffic, and uncompleted roads, he said, adding that over 200 road projects across the country are yet to be completed.
The minister also noted that of the N433 billion proposed, N268 billion is proposed for power while N99 billion and N66 billion would be expended on works and housing respectively.
Members of the Joint Committees chaired by Hon. Toby Okechukwu (Enugu PDP) however pointed out that some critical roads are not included in the ministry’s three-year plan, particularly in the South-west and North-east part of the country.
