Ekiti set to improve traffic management with ring road project
The first Ring Road Project in Ekiti State was launched on Friday by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who said it will transform the state’s development and traffic management when completed.
The Governor made this remark in Iworoko Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, during the flag-off ceremony of the Ado Ekiti Ring Road Phase 1.
He said the project, which is the first of its kind in the state’s policy thrust, will connect Iworoko to the Ekiti State International Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone. The road will pass through Iworoko, Are, Afao, Araromi Obo, Igbogun and end at Aso Ayegunle and Ijan Ekiti area.
He explained that the road will help to ease the congestion in Ado Ekiti metropolis, which is often crowded with heavy trucks travelling on the Lagos-Ibadan-Ado-Lokoja Abuja Highway. This causes traffic jams and serious discomfort for commuters.
“This project will put an end to a long time of pain on some strategic roads in our state. This is a testament to the gains of continuity. It was first awarded by Governor Kayode Fayemi, but the contractor could not mobilise to site due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
“But the project was made possible today because the electorate voted for our party, so this is the beauty of continuity. If we have been doing this, we would have gone beyond this level. Any state where you witness development, it means they have a government that has the privilege of serving back-to-back and enjoy the opportunity of sustaining their policies like they are doing in Lagos.
“This road will enhance trade and commerce, promote tourism and facilitate easy movement of agricultural products. It is a game changer, so the contractor needs your support. I know that our people are hospitable.
“I appeal to you to join hands with the contractor to deliver a quality job. Don’t disturb them, this could stop them from finishing on time. The beauty of it is that in my discussion with Craneburg Company leadership, they assured that labour will be sourced locally and whoever is employed as a worker should be ready to work.
“The local Contents bill is in the State House of Assembly and when passed into law will mandate all contractors to source their labour locally.
Oyebanji also disclosed his government’s plan to acquire large areas of land at the Ekiti State Cargo Airport area to implement a suburban development plan that will create a replica of Ado Ekiti town to attract investors to the state.
The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, highlighted the importance of the project, saying that with the ring road, commuters will not need to pass through Ado Ekiti to reach some destinations in the state. This will reduce the persistent agony of traffic logjam in the state capital.
Adebayo said the government prioritised the project because it will serve the Cargo Airport, Ekiti Knowledge Zone and tertiary institutions like the Federal Polytechnic and Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti.
“This will bring a significant transformation to the development of the state and it is a symbol that Governor Oyebanji places priority on the people by way of reducing traffic hold up to the barest minimum.
“Let me restate that this government is committed to transparency and accountability in the award of projects and this shall be strictly followed in the execution of this project. We will ensure that a quality job is delivered and compliance to standard is followed.”
The General Manager, Corporate Services, Craneburg Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, Mr. Elie Adem, expressed confidence that the company will not disappoint the trust placed in its expertise and technical know-how in delivering the best for the state.
