Date: 2014-06-04

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, says the state government has invested about N727.9m in the construction of Ijara-Isin-Isanlu Isin Road, Oro-Ijomu-Oro Road and Tsaragi Market Road.

While the 9.5km Ijara-Isin-Isanlu Isin Road, done mainly with latrite by the contractor, Messrs Chelfom Engineering and Construction Company Nigeria Limited, cost N385.3m, the 3.6km Oro-Ijomu-Oro Road was awarded to Messrs FIK Global Resources Limited at a cost of N213.2m. The Tsaragi Market road, which was awarded to Messrs Thriaza Nigeria Limited, cost N129.3m.

The governor spoke at the inauguration of Ijara-Isin-Isanlu Isin Road as part of activities to mark his administration’s third year anniversary.

According to Ahmed, road has the largest chunk of projects for implementation under the state government’s planned N23bn bond issuance.

He added that the road contracts were awarded in 2010 during the administration of his predecessor, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

The governor said the roads and infrastructural facilities so far provided in the state were a tip of the iceberg in terms of amenities, adding that more people-oriented projects would be executed in the state.

He stressed that his administration would continue to invest more in road construction to promote the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of the state.

He said that as a people focused-administration, the government remained committed to even development across the state by ensuring equity in the location of infrastructure.

“In line with our commitment to projects of this nature and enhanced infrastructure development for the people, we ensured the completion of this project. This road and its potential benefits to the people of this area and beyond are an indication of the impact of our forthcoming capital projects that have been criticised in some quarters.

“Anyone who opposes critically needed projects such as this road and others proposed for implementation across the state cannot be a friend of this community and indeed the good people of Kwara State.

Also speaking during the inauguration of the Oro-Ijomu-Oro Road, the governor stated that the emphasis on roads during the anniversary reflected the government’s recognition of infrastructure as a major catalyst of growth and an important promoter of the people’s welfare.

He stated that the inauguration demonstrated the government’s conviction that the provision of infrastructure, particularly good roads, could add value to the socio-economic lives of the people.

He added that it would, most importantly, add to the aesthetics of the environment.

The governor said though road construction is capital intensive, his government remained committed to making roads passable, safe and secure for use by the people.

“We are preparing to ground break new road projects across three senatorial districts before the end of the year. I assure all those communities whose road, education, health, and other key required projects are yet to feature that these projects are being implemented in phases and funded through multiple financing windows. No community, therefore, will be left out as we embark on the next phase of our state’s development.

“I implore the road users in this area to be vigilant and discourage indiscriminate cutting of the road. Furthermore, unauthorised speed breakers should not be allowed for such action usually shortens the lifespan of roads.”

The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr. Abubakar Kannike, during the inauguration of Tsaragi Market Road said road construction and rehabilitation reduced the hardship of the benefiting communities especially in the area of transportation of people, goods and service as well as agricultural produce to various markets.