By Lawrence Olaoye
The management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) yesterday pleaded with the House of Representatives to help in seeking alternative funding aside the national budget for it to achieve maximum results.
FERMA’s Managing Director, Engnr. Gabriel Amuchi, who appeared before the House committee to present the 2013 budget performance and defend the 2014 budget, told the lawmakers that road maintenance agencies all over the world do not rely solely on government for funding.
He pleaded with the lawmakers to help in following up with the implementation of the existing provision on 5% User Charge.
He also requested additional funding through International Vehicle Transit Charge (IVTC).
According to him “We are also working out modalities for putting our various trailer parks to use to decongest our Highways and provide basic safety and comfort for long distance haulage trucks.”
The FERMA boss also told the lawmakers that the agency is stressing on attitudinal change amongst its workforce to reposition its Engineers and workforce.
On the 2014 budget, Amuchi said the agency is supposed to work within the budget of N24.5 billion out of which the sum of N3 billion has been earmarked for capital budget.
Recurrent expenditures meant for roads and bridges and emergencies across the country was put at N21.5billion.
“The era where potholes or cut failures remain on our highway without attention is virtually being overcome,” Amuchi assured.
Members of the committee took turns to commend the agency for improving the state of the nation’s roads.
They however urged FERMA to ensure that roads being opened up for maintenance are immediately filled up so that craters are not created along the roads in the process of road maintenance.
