Members of the House of Representatives have criticized the Minister of Public Works, David Umahi, for the deteriorating road network in the country.

The House specifically expressed concern, saying Umahi was not interested in repairing roads in Nigeria.

The Green Chamber stated this at a Parliament hearing where the Ministry’s Director of Bridges, Bede Obiora, blamed funding constraints for the poor condition of roads in the country.

Umahi was not at the hearing.

However, Oseni, who represents Ibarapa/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, opposed the minister’s plea.

While the Ministry awarded more road tenders, he emphasized that Umahi did not have a plan for the country and said that the Minister’s claim that there were no resources was not valid.

“We are not here for you to tell us what you already know in the field of resources. So if you’re telling us that resources are the reason you’re failing to fix our rural infrastructures, don’t let me take you there because as a Minister you’ve concentrated your resources on less priority issues. Do not discuss sources; I say this again.

“Again, all the roads we have across the country have failed. If, Sir, you were addressing these existing pathways with the resources you have available, we wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now. Do not discuss sources. I say it again.

“Last year you came here and got an additional budget approval of N300 billion. Don’t elevate my emotions. I am concerned that you are not worried about the repair of roads in Nigeria.

“We’re not here about whether you don’t want to do the job or you want to do the job. Stop telling us you reward the roads. We don’t want you to reward ways you’re not ready for. How can you tell us there are no resources?

“Everything everyone said in less than a minute was a clue that you have no plan for us as a nation. You have no plan for us as a nation. I was wondering what you used as a reference for your evaluation?”