Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Thursday reiterated his commitment to rural-urban development to fast track socio-economic growth in the state.
This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) In Ilorin by Mr Olabode George, the Commissioner for Communications.
According to the statement, the state Executive Council has awarded the construction of the Ile-Ire District Road in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
AbdulRazaq said the step underlined his administration’s commitment to bring all the agrarian belts closer to the market to fast-track socio-economic development.
The council also awarded the upgrade of the Old Yidi road and AbdulAzeez Attah road.
The statement noted that the asphaltic surface of these two roads would be upgraded to engineering standards with adequate drainage and pedestrian walkways.
The governor said the proposed construction of the roads was in line with the desire of his administration to improve infrastructural facilities and the socioeconomic well-being of the people of the state.
According to the statement, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Rotimi Iliyasu, while presenting the memorandum to the council, said the construction of surface dressing of the Ile Ire District Road to Messrs Skystream Global Concept Ltd would cost N851,843,913.22 at duration period of four months.
He added that the upgrade of the AbdulAzeez Attah road was awarded to Ronchess Global Resources at the sum of N580,438,832.87 with a completion period of four months.
According to him, the council approved the award of the Old Yidi Road upgrade to City International Dimensions at the sum of N263,707,171.56, with a completion period of three months.
“There has to be a new focus to develop our state. Like we are doing in Kwara North, such as Ilesha-Gwanara Road, Kishi-Kaiama Road, it is also important we focus on areas such as the Ile Ire District.
“We are also doing the Osi Obbo Road as well. We have to concentrate on building infrastructure that improves our lives, especially farm-to-market access, and deepening investment access.
“When you have the right infrastructure, it is easy to attract investment. It is no brainier that you see people build their houses and business along major arteries. That is why we concentrate on building roads,” he said.
The governor lamented the drop in government revenues, especially the federal allocation, saying “this poses danger to the funding of projects”.
AbdulRazaq said the state recorded over N1 billion shortfall in federal allocation for February, compared to what was received in January, adding that government will however prioritise payment of workers’ salaries. (NAN)
