Concrete roads, the perfect way

I agree totally with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on his assertion that as measures to build long lasting roads, future roads should be constructed using concretes. This I believe is in agreement with my thought that “Poor countries build rich roads”. I also think that proper and strong arguments be made instead of using political dictionaries to overthrow big brains.

Its good we analyze, by juxtaposing the advantages and disadvantages of concrete roads or drawing lines between asphalts and concrete roads. By so doing, right decisions would be made for future developmental agendas. At times we allow political alienations to eat up our beautiful arguments and hide relevant information necessary for national development.

Asphalt paving companies always love getting those asphalt contracts, not only because they make greater immediate profits. But also because they know that after paving is complete, there would be more work for them in the near future on the same stretch of road. News reportage in recent times covered potholes that have started developing on asphalted roads constructed in the last 6-8 months.

Notably, the famous “Dubai in Ghana” developed potholes five months after the 74million Euros project was commissioned, the popular Kanazoe road of Kunkya – Gbadabago stretch as reported by the then DCE, Hon. Alfred Kofi Wukanye. The bitumen surface of the 25.9million Euro facility got eroded 7months after commissioning.

Koforidua township asphalt roads and the “legendary potholes” article, just to mention few. For that, the cost effective analysis on both asphalt and concrete roads needs to be taken seriously in the short, medium and long term. For me I support the concrete roads not as a Bawumia fanatic but a concern citizen who believes in safeguarding the national purse.

I know You may not agree with me, because this is a literature and the sort of political definition you are giving to my thought now would not allow you.

Comparing the durability and maintenance free nature of concrete, one would truly opt for such. Concrete roads have long service life of 20-40years as compared to asphalts of 10years.

Within this life, concrete roads do not require frequent repairs as do the asphalt roads. So in factoring annual maintenance and cost effective, asphalt pavements can cost 4-7 times as much money to maintain. This means, less congestion and disruption to work areas, and less danger to roads crews and drivers.

This would save the country some amount of money for other developmental projects directly and indirectly. In all, concrete roads need less maintenance in a life time.

Asphalts are made with bitumen which is a dark colour. We all agree that, dark colors absorb more lights and heat. Taking into consideration the temperature of the South Saharan countries like Ghana, one would argue that this bitumen asphalts would absorb too much heat from the scorching sun.

this would generate enough heat during frictional operations and may burn or wear off car tires easily and quickly and can lead to skidding of vehicles causing road accidents. No wonder, the South Saharan countries are always top of road accident in the world today.

Unlike concrete roads which is naturally reflective because of its light colour, areas around the pavement becomes cooler on concrete roads amounting to less heat. This mount to minimal fuel consumption and the air conditioning in your car as you even drive faster.

This is also because, concrete roads do not get deflected under the wheels of loaded trucks making the vehicle experience better traction. Concrete roads provides roadway segments with high turning movements and stopping points. Concrete is not prone to tearing under stresses like the asphalt. The surface is much better in preventing skidding of cars and make travelling safer.

Again environmentally, because of the light coloured material nature of concrete, more sunlight and warmth would be reflected upward and the earth would be cooler. Concrete roads are more resistant to Oil leakages.

Recycling of concrete is cheaper than the asphalt. Concretes can be easily crushed into gravels and reuse again in other construction works. Concrete roads can withstand extreme weather conditions than the asphalt roads.

The incident of hydroplaning on wet roads is virtually non-existent on concrete. This is because concretes hold up better under heavy loads since asphalts grooves quickly under heavy traffic loads.

In urban settings, concrete also offer clear advantages in aesthetics. If stamping and colouring is desired as a way to increase safety at crosswalks or to generally enhance aesthetics.

If midday politicking could be avoided and a mutual consensus built on some ideas like that of Dr. Bawumia and others, I think Ghana would be a new discovery in years to come. And could be a shining example for other south Saharan countries because already we are the hope of Africa.