Oyo RAAMP signs N16bn contract for construction of 68km road project

The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Oyo RAAMP) has successfully signed a contract agreement worth N16,273,711,608.09 for the construction of approximately 68 km of rural roads under phase 1 of the intervention project.

The contract signing event took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ibadan—the Supervisory Ministry of Oyo RAAMP—and under the supervision of the Commissioner of the Ministry, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye. Five construction companies signed contract agreements with Oyo RAAMP.

The construction companies are Dephhanny’s Venture Limited; Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited; Messrs Coastline Engineering Limited; Messrs Lopek Engineering and Construction Limited; and Messrs E.A.A. Engineering Limited.

This initiative aims to construct rural roads that cut across five Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Addressing the contractors and stakeholders at the signing, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the project aims to upgrade rural roads, improve agricultural marketing, and promote economic growth in Oyo State.

According to Olasunkanmi, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of rural communities, farmers, traders, and market hubs, reducing post-harvest losses of agricultural products.

While congratulating the firms/contractors who finally emerged from the highly competitive bidding and procurement processes, the Commissioner explained that the phase 1 intervention roads for backlog maintenance/rehabilitation and cross-drainage structures would include: Fashola Farm settlement road networks, Oyo West; Oloko Oyo Junction-Ikere Junction, Iseyin Local Government; Alako-Idiya-Batake-Olowa Farm settlement, Ido Local Government; Adebayo-Alata-Aba Oje, Oluyole Local Government; Okudi-Oyada road, ATISBO Local Government; and Tewure-Ila junction road, Oriire Local Government.

He urged the contractors to ensure they execute quality and satisfactory jobs.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, said that the project objectives align with the vision of the present government in Oyo State under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde, which includes supporting farmers with the necessary equipment to enhance food security.

She added that with the signing of the contract agreement, Oyo State is one step closer to achieving its goals of promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and enhancing food security.

Mrs Owoeye therefore thanked the Federal Government and Development Partners, including the World Bank and the French Development Agency.

In her remarks, the Oyo State Project Coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Engr Adeola Ekundayo, urged the contractors to cooperate with stakeholders who will be monitoring their activities.

She also said a Grievance Redress Committee for each of the roads has been constituted, according to the Project Implementation Manual, and they will meet before the commencement of civil works.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr Shan Jingwu, a representative of CGC Construction Company, commended RAAMP for being transparent in the selection process that ushered in his company. He promised that his team will be very professional in the discharge of their duties.

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