N1trn yearly’ll solve road construction deficit— Ambode

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, disclosed that about N1trillion was needed yearly to address the deficit in road construction in the state, even as he justified the decision of his administration to engage indigenous contractors for the construction of 114 inner roads simultaneously across the state.

Governor Ambode disclosed this in Oshodi-Isolo, at the ongoing inauguration of 114 roads constructed across the 20 local government areas (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), saying indigenous contractors were engaged for the projects, not only to boost employment, but also encourage the local construction industry to grow.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, at the commissioning of Kalejaiye Street, the governor assured residents that any mistake committed by the indigenous contractors in the course of the project would be addressed, adding that the construction of the inner roads was in response to the yearning of the people.

He said: “We have to encourage our indigenous contractors because whether we like it or not, that is one of the ways to generate employment and when we engage them, there will be money in the circulation.

“We are challenging them to do their best and, as a government, we don’t want to shy away from mistakes. If they (indigenous contractors) make mistakes, we also try to correct and encourage them. We are learning, it is a learning process and with time, I believe they will get there,” he said.

Meanwhile Ambode, on Thursday, said the best way to develop the country’s indigenous contractors and pull the country out of recession was for both Federal and state governments to engage them in execution of projects in the country.

Ambode said this while commissioning the newly-constructed Hassan Odumeru Street and Ajagbe Street in Agbowa-Ikosi, which were part of 114 inner roads undertaken by the state government, across the 57 local government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

Governor Ambode, who was represented by a member, House of Representatives, Honourable Wale Raji, at the commissioning of Hassan Odumeru Street, said it was through such approach that the local populace could benefit directly through creation of job opportunity besides  enhancing skills of both the affected contractors and Nigerians artisans.