By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Engineer Felix Igboke Ogbonna, has urged residents to strictly observe the mandatory 18 to 21 days curing period before putting newly constructed concrete roads into use.
Speaking with journalists on Friday in Abakaliki, Igboke attributed the dust often noticed on some completed concrete roads to the impatience of road users who fail to allow the concrete to properly cure.
He stressed that curing is a critical stage in concrete road construction, explaining that premature use weakens the surface and leads to dust emission.
“Ebonyi people have been complaining about some roads producing dust. I have said this before and I want to say it again — why most of these roads produce dust is our own fault. Ebonyi people are impatient. When a concrete road is done, it needs at least 18 to 21 days curing period,” he said.
The commissioner also cautioned residents against removing laterite barriers placed on newly constructed roads to prevent access during the curing period.
“That is why when you see a concrete road being done, you will see some people using laterite to block it so that people will not use it for at least 21 days. But I have gone to sites where you see people from that area using small tippers and labourers to cart away the laterite used in blocking that road so they can start using it,” he recounted.
According to him, the situation is worsened when heavy-duty vehicles ply the roads during the curing period.
“There are a lot of trucks in the state now because everywhere is a project site. When you scatter that road, you will come back to start doing videos,” he added, citing Omege as one of the affected areas.
Igboke maintained that adherence to curing time would significantly reduce complaints about dust and surface failure. He appealed to residents to cooperate with contractors and government officials whenever roads are temporarily blocked.
“When they say avoid this road, obey. After all, before that road was constructed, you were living. So 18 to 21 days of waiting cannot kill you. That is the major thing bringing up all this dust,” he said.
The commissioner further emphasized the importance of proper supervision on project sites. He noted that while the use of labourers is not wrong, certified engineers must always be present to monitor and direct their activities to ensure quality delivery.
He warned that the use of improper tools, such as wooden hand floats for surface finishing, could compromise the integrity of the concrete.
“Even if you use the highest concrete ratio, once a labourer uses a wooden hand thrower to dress the surface, that road must fail. It will produce dust because the wooden tool sucks off cement from the surface. That is why you see the use of power trowels and iron hand tools,” he explained.
Igboke reiterated that strict compliance with engineering standards and patience from residents would ensure the durability of the state’s concrete road projects.