The Federal Government has terminated the contract for the reconstruction of the 50km Oyo-Ogbomoso road awarded to RCC Limited.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, made the disclosure at the Oyo Federal Roads Stakeholders Engagement with the theme “Enhancing Federal Roads in Oyo State: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions” in Ibadan on Thursday.
Umahi, who was represented at the occasion by the Acting Director Highway, Southwest, Engr. Emayoun Comfort, decried the non-completion of the project which was awarded years back as when due.
He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to infrastructural development, especially the construction of new roads and the rehabilitation of the existing ones across the country.
The Minister assured that the project would be re-awarded to a new contractor in no distant time.
According to him, “The reconstruction of the Oyo-Ogbomoso end of the Ilorin road contract awarded to RCC Limited has been terminated.
“The new contractor for the project will be made known soon. The project is long overdue.
“Also, the reconstruction of the second lane of Iwo road-Ojoo end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway will be flagged off on Saturday.”
On the safety of road users, the Federal Government has approved the construction of pedestrian crossings at strategic locations on the expressways.
“The present administration is committed to infrastructural development across the six geopolitical zones.
“We are taking notes of all the issues raised by the stakeholders. They will be looked into.”
In his address, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, assured the stakeholders that all the roads, including intra- and inter-city roads in the state, would receive the government’s attention.
“Roads play a pivotal role in the socio-economic growth of the country, hence the reason the government is voting larger chunks of the annual budget to infrastructure.”
He stated that the gathering was not just about highlighting challenges but proffering solutions.
According to him, “It is about bringing together the voices that matter, like government officials, engineers, transporters, business owners, and the everyday road users, to discuss, deliberate, and chart a clear course towards improving our road network.”
He, however, urged all Nigerians, particularly people in the state, to collaborate towards a sustainable framework that will ensure all Federal roads in Oyo are safe, durable, and efficient for all users.
Also, in his address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Hon. Remi Oseni, blamed the deplorable condition of Nigerian roads on the quality of materials being used by the contractors.
According to him, “Most Nigerian roads cannot stand the test of time because of the quality of materials.
“The contractors handling various projects, especially road construction, need to be thoroughly monitored.
“It must be ensured that quality materials that can stand the test of time are used in the construction of roads.”
Also, in his address, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbomoso North, South and Oriire Federal Constituency, Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the completion of the Ibadan-Ogbomoso road.
According to him, Ogbomoso serves as a link between the North and South. The deplorable condition of the road is affecting the commerce of the area.
Also, a section of the stakeholders decried the deplorable condition of roads in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who was represented at the occasion by Maye Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi, advocated the installation of road signs on the highways.
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