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Gov Abdulrazaq Flags Off 209.77km Road Construction Amid Renewed Infrastructural Devt Drive
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged-off the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads totaling 209.77km, as part of his administration drive to connect the state’s agrarian hinterlands to the markets in the urban areas and strengthen food security.
The projects are being prosecuted under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, an initiative for which the administration has committed at least N4bn counterpart funds in the last five years.
RAAMP is jointly funded by the World Bank and French Development Agency, with the state government providing counterpart funds.
Governor AbdulRazaq said the investments have yielded the 209.77km costed at over N19.4b for the benefits of the people.
The road projects include Alapa-Hoko (0.7km); Madi-Peke (17.5km); Mandala-Yowere-Agbonna (12.485 km); Gerewu-Eiyekorin- Okoolowo Expressway (3.07km); Panada-Oloro ((5.43km); Inaja-Alaro-Inaja Maliki (6.22km); Ijagbo-Aperun-Adeleke- Igbawere (6.85km); Kpandarako-Ginda- Kusomunu- Kachitako- Tsakpata Lealea- Gulufu Bacita (22.89km); and Lafiagi- Effagi – Putata road (9.53km).
Others are Oko Olowo- SokotoTafatafa -Elere-Owode Oja- Baba Kudu- Akopari- Otte Oja road (23.23km); Odo Ode-Soliu-Arogun-Ikotun-Oke Amin-Rondo- Offa road (22.08km); Babanla-Budo Idowu-Alasoro-Owode- Shagbe (10.53km); Kpada-Gakpan (9.58km); and Yakiru-Tabiru-Kenu rural road (59.69km).
“This flag-off for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads spanning 209.77km and connecting 16 local government areas is the fruit of huge investment, strategic planning, our commitment to rural urban development and food security, and our drive for rapid socioeconomic growth and sustainable job opportunities,”.
Governor AbdulRazaq explained that the RAAMP project aligns with the government’s commitment to revolutionize rural infrastructure for agricultural development in the state.
He commended the World Bank and French Development Agency for providing the fund and the Federal Project Management Unit under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for proper coordination of RAAMP activities in Nigeria.
The Governor noted that the government would soon award contracts for the construction of three Agro-logistics Centres, one in each senatorial district to be sited in Ajase-Ipo, Alapa and Kaiama) and while more rural roads would spread to other LGAs.
“On assumption of office in 2019, our administration immediately paid the first tranche of the counterpart fund. Between 2019 and now, our government has paid the sum of Four Billion, Twenty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand Naira (N4,026,891,000) as a counterpart fund. No amount was paid before 2019,”.
He urged the contractors and consultants to deliver the projects within stipulated time and design specifications, and urged the host communities to support the initiative.
“For these roads to stand the test of time through quality maintenance, I have signed the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and State Road Fund (SRF) bills into law. I have also approved the constitution of the Boards of the Agency,”.
Senator Lola Ashiru, who spoke on behalf of other National Assembly members from the state, said many states of the federation, except Kwara, have long been benefiting from RAAMP intervention because the previous administrations in the state failed to fulfill the required obligations.
He praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the payment of counterpart funds which is an important requirement for accessing the grant, calling him a lover of the masses.
The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu described the project as another laudable initiative of the administration that would go a long way to ease access to farm produce and contribute to socio-economic development of the state.
The State Commissioner for Works, Engr AbdulQuawiy Olododo commended the Governor and other key stakeholders for their contributions and tireless efforts that made the day a reality, noting that the project would enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
“For this year 2024, not less than 170 road projects have been embarked upon across Kwara State with at least 65% of them already completed while others are progressing at an appreciable pace,”.
The State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr Isaac Kolo, said the government’s investments in rural road infrastructure and agro-logistics facilities showed that the Governor is visionary, goal-oriented and passionate about the people’s well-being.
ILORIN/ABDULLAHI AHMED
