Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) yesterday urged the House of Representatives to assist it in sourcing for alternative funding in addition to what was allocated to it in 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 lawmaker 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 per cent User Charge.
He also requested additional funding through International Vehicle Transit Charge (IVTC).
He said: “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 was stressing on attitudinal change amongst its workforce to reposition its engineers and entire workforce.
On the 2014 budget, Amuchi said the agency was supposed to work within the budget of N24.5 billion, out of which the sum of N3 billion had been earmarked for capital budget.
Recurrent expenditures meant for roads and bridges and emergencies across the country were put at N21.5billion.
“The era where potholes or cut failures remain on our highway without attention is virtually being overcome,” Amuchi assured.
