Kwara State Government yesterday approved the construction of Geri-Alimi Diamond Split Underpass at the cost of N2.9billion, National Pilot reports. The project which is in three sections will include reconstruction of Geri-Alim-Sawmill Garage-General Hospital road within 18 months.

Also approved are; the dualisation of Ita-Alamu-Michael Imodu- Afon Junction and the dualisation of Kulende-UITH-Oke-Ose road to decongest traffic along the axis.

Addressing a Press conference after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Ilorin, on Wednesday, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya said that council took the decision in order to reduce hold-up at those areas as well as improve the aesthetic value of the road. Yahaya said that already Egbejila-Asa Dam road and Gerewu phase one were under construction to serve as linking roads and serve as alternative routes during the construction of the project.

The Commissioner, who said only Lagos and Abuja had similar project at Maryland and Mabushi, explained that the project when completed would accommodate more vehicles than that of Maryland in Lagos. Yahaya allayed the fear of the public that no legal property would be demolished around the area during the construction.

In his presentation, the contractor handling the project and Managing Director of BAL Engineering Limited, Alhaji Bashir Lawal explained that Close Circuit Television Camera and a security post would be made available to provide adequate security in and around the Interchange. Lawal noted that the project would provide aesthetic and architectural beauty to the areas and ease human and vehicular movements.