Date: 2016-09-27

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed on Tuesday flagged off the construction of the Geri- Alimi Split Diamond Interchange, which is the first project to be funded under the newly launched Kwara Infrastructure Development Fund (IFK).

The Split Diamond Interchange is a convergence of different roads within Ilorin, the state capital and leads to major establishments in the city such as the Ilorin International Aviation College, International Airport Ilorin, Kwara Diagnostic Centre amongst others.

Governor Ahmed expressed optimism that on completion, the Diamond Underpass will ease traffic congestion in the area and add to the aesthetics of the area, adding that there will be a 24-hour police surveillance at the roundabout.

The governor explained that in order to ensure the project is executed in accordance with the approved design specifications and programme of work, it will be monitored by the government and the trustees of IFK.

He assured that owners of property that will be affected with the construction of the underpass will be adequately compensated by the State government in line with appropriate laws upon the presentation of relevant documents.

Governor Ahmed also announced that more capital projects positioned towards the infrastructural development of the State will be unveiled by the government in coming weeks.

According to him, some of the projects include the dualization of Micheal Imodu-Ganmo road, Sango-UITH road, Ilesha-Baruba-Gwanara road and the construction of two new campuses for the Kwara State University (KWASU) at Osi and Ilesha-Baruba.

The governor, who thanked Kwarans for their patience and support of his government over the years, promised that all projects embarked on by his administration will be completed in the interest of the people's welfare and commitment to boosting economic activities and job creation.

Earlier in his address, the State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya said that the Geri Alimi underpass project, which is in three phases is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Alhaji Yahaya noted the state government has made provision for alternative routes for road users pending the completion of the project.

He listed the alternative routes to include Airport-Egbejila-Asa Dam road, Hajj Camp Road, Dr. Olushola Saraki rroad, Sawmill-Yidi-Asa-Dam road, Adegboyega-Atiku road and Adewole Estate Road.