By Charles Ayodele
Over seventeen billion naira contract has been awarded by the Ekiti State government for the maintenance and rehabilitation of rural roads in the state
The State Project Coordinator, Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, (RAAMP) Hon. Sunday Adunmo, said this at the signing of the contract for the award of thirteen roads under the backlog maintenance and rehabilitation intervention of rural roads.
The event which held at the conference hall of the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti, was attended by the contractors and senior government officials from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies,( MDAs).
Adunmo said the thirteen roads of seven lots cut across the three senatorial districts of the state. He remarked that the development marks an important milestone in the efforts to improve agricultural infrastructure, enhance rural connectivity and boost food production in the state.
The affected areas are; Enu Odi-Igirigiri Road, Omisanjana -Ben Folarin-Oke Aso Road, Ise-Imola Road, Afolu-Odofin Road, Oye-Are Road, Ilupeju-Igbo Egan Road, Iye-isapa-Olopomeje-Ikun Road, Erinmope- Irare-Ikosu Road, Igbole-Egan-Osi-Iropora Road, FMS Farm-Oke Ako Road, Ikogosi-Aba-Ori Okuta-Ikogosi Road, Ara-Ekameta School Road.
According to him, after five years of delay for the commencement of the project, the signing of the contract will go a long way in making Ekiti the food basket of Southwest.
“Today’s event concludes the process that began earlier this year when we advertised requests for bids for 65.10 km rural roads for rehabilitation in national dailies. A pre- bid meeting in March ensured transparency and fairness in the selection process. After receiving 93 bids, we are pleased to announce that 7 bids were successful”.
He cautioned the contractors against substandard job which will lead to the termination of the contract. Adding that the project monitoring committee of RAAMP, relevant government agencies such as the Local Content Office among others would visit sites to check level of compliance. Hon. Adunmo remarked that the contractors are expected to hire local employees to create employment opportunities and improve the rural areas.
The State governor, Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by Head of Service, Dr Folake Olomojobi, noted that a protracted expectation has ended on a joyful note. She said a lot of farm produce have been perishing due to lack of access. The governor’s representative explained the end has come for such negative experience.
The State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun appreciated the state governor for his commitment and honesty in keeping with his agenda. He appealed for more focus on rural roads to ensure they are motorable.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, decried the level at which bad roads have continued to affect farm produce. He said with this contract there will be improved rural infrastructure.
Secretary to the State Government, SSG , Dr Abibat Adubiaro, described the event as a step in the right direction. She gave an assurance that when this phase is completed the state will not rest on its oars.