Ekiti flags off N8.9b Ado-Iyin road
From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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Ekit State Government on Thursday formally handed over the dualisation of new Ado- Iyin road project to a private company based in China CCECC Nigeria Ltd to commence work on the road which was originally awarded in 1978, but was abandoned.
Speaking at a brief ceremony to herald the commencement of the project and handing over to the contractor, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said he is irrevocably committed to fulfilling all his electioneering promises in all sectors, especially in the area of infrastructure which is a catalyst for development.
Fayemi who was represented by his Deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, said the 7.25km road project which will be completed within 24 months is the first phase of the construction work which will stop at the State’s boundary with Osun State.
He said the first phase of the project is the construction of the road from Ado to Iyin, the second phase from Iyin to Aramoko while the third phase would be from Aramoko to Itawure.
The Governor expressed worry that the old Ado – Iyin road had become a death trap because of its unsafe, winding and undulating alignments which had caused series of fatal accidents on the route; stressing that his government cannot helplessly watch citizens’ lives and properties lost to the road.
Adunmo disclosed that the Fayemi-led government will soon commence construction of some ring roads to reduce traffic in the State capital. He listed such roads to include Iworoko-Eyio-Igede road and Ago Aduloju (Ado Ekiti) – Afao road among others.
Earlier, the Southwest Regional Manager of the company handling the project Sewell Zhao, said the company has commenced the recruitment of workers for the project; stating that the company will accommodate local content by employing at least 500 Ekiti people for the construction work.