Ekiti govt approves N16.9bn for construction of flyover

The Ekiti State Government has approved N16.9 billion for the construction of a one-kilometre flyover bridge from Union Bank in Ajilosun to First Bank at Okeyinmi in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, who made this known in Ado Ekiti while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, said that about N2.6 billion was also approved for the rehabilitation of the Ikere-Ise-Emure road.

Reiterating the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to ensuring that all state roads are motorable and well maintained, Olatunbosun stressed that the development was part of the government’s agenda to rapidly improve infrastructure in the state.

According to him, “construction of a flyover bridge at Ijigbo Ado Ekiti is part of this administration’s developmental agenda aimed at easing traffic flow, improving socio-economic activities in the areas, and making the lives and property of people more secure on the roads while adding aesthetic value to the State Capital.

“The bridge, which is expected to be completed in 24 months, was initially proposed from Irona to Mathew (Saint Paul) but later changed to commence from Ajilosun (Union Bank) and terminate at Okeyinmi (First Bank), Ado-Ekiti, after a critical review of the traffic volume and gridlock along the Oja Oba Market to Ajilosun axis.

“Open competitive tendering was adopted before the contract for the flyover was awarded to Messrs. Step Development Limited at a contract sum of N16,904,682,960.49 and the rehabilitation of the Ikere-Ise-Emure road was awarded to Messrs. Dromo International Company Limited at a sum of N2,590,720,088.11.

“In fact, engineers from the State Ministry of Works visited the roads and took measurements of the works to be done, which include clearing, earthworks, concrete drains, scarification, pavement, and the laying of asphalt, to ensure value for money and in line with the present administration’s policy of effective, efficient, and economic use of resources.”

He appealed to motorists and other road users to exercise patience, obey traffic signs, and shun acts that may constitute a hindrance to the construction of the flyover and rehabilitation of the road.

Olatunbosun emphasised the need for all stakeholders to support the government’s efforts at developing the state, stressing that it required collective responsibility to achieve the desired goal.