Date: 2012-02-29

The Kwara State Government has given an assurance that it will continue to upgrade deplorable Federal Roads in the State to enhance economic activities in the State.

The State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr Abubakar Amuda Kannike gave the assurance at the formal handover of the reconstructed Ohan Bailey Bridge along Ilorin-Igbeti Road to the State Government.

Dr Kannike said the bridge constructed 40 years ago by the Nigerian Army Engineers collapsed in 2009 which caused untold hardship to thousands of people who ply the road daily.

The bridge which link Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital with the Northern part of Oyo North was reconstructed with about N42.5million.

The State Government commended the Engineers of the Nigerian Army for the prompt completion of the project.

Dr Kannike said the State Government was also working on some Federal Roads including Chikanda-Kosubosu-Okuta-Ilesha Baruba to Oyo State border road, Patigi-Kpada road, damaged portion between Eiyenkorin-Oko Olowo which cut off the federal road and the dualisation of some federal roads leading to Ilorin, the State capital.

He however appealed to the Federal Government to upgrade other federal roads in the State.

The Commander 22nd Armound Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, Brig. Gen. S.B Bello who said the reconstruction of the bridge was completed within the eleven weeks time line, described the exercise as the new trend in civil/military relationship initiated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.A Ihejirika.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in the Area, Alhaji Akinpelu Akanmu advised motorist to make good use of the bridge.

29/02/2012