Ekiti: Old Abandoned Road Gets Fayemi’s Attention

Segun Atanda/

Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Thursday, flagged off the construction of the 7.25 km Ado-Iyin Road, originally awarded in 1978 by the military government but later abandoned.

Flagging off construction work on the road as part of activities marking his first 100 days in office, Fayemi said the construction of the new road was long overdue considering the unsafe nature of the existing Ado-Iyin-Igede-Aramoko Road which has winding and undulating alignments.

He said the construction of the dual carriageway would be completed within 15 months.

According to the Governor, the proposed road would not only address the problem of alignments and reduce the carnage on the old road but also have multiplier effects on commuters who use the road for a longer journey.

“This is just one of several abandoned projects we are determined to execute for the benefit of Ekiti kete. Just a few weeks ago, I visited the secretariat and inspected another equally important project within the secretariat, a gigantic project at that. I am glad to inform you that One Billion Naira has been earmarked in the 2019 Budget of Restoration that I just signed this morning for the abandoned project to be resuscitated and completed,” he said.

While reassuring that his administration would not abandon any project, the governor said all the ongoing projects of his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose are being given attention for completion for the use of the people.

He recalled that his government between 2010 and 2014 rehabilitated old roads and constructed new roads for the use of the people but the roads were left after he left office and are now in a state of disrepair.

“As a government, we understand and appreciate the importance of good road network to our economic development. Good road network will not only ease the stress of commuters but will also enhance the marketability of our farm produce which is the mainstay of most of our people. The need for us to constantly rehabilitate old roads and open up new ones cannot be overemphasized,” Fayemi said.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Mr Dele Agbede solicited the cooperation of residents along the route especially those whose property may be affected by the dualization project.

Agbede noted that the road on completion would boost socio-economic activities, reduce the carnage, road user’s cost and travel time.

He added that streetlight and other aesthetics will be provided to enhance pleasurable driving experience on the road.