Aregbesola’s Intervention on Roads Highly Commendable – Fashola
The Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola,has described the efforts of Governor Rauf Aregbesola on the projects as fantastic, judging by the meagre finances of the state.
Federal road projects/sites visited in Osun State included the 30km dualisation of Gbongan-Akoda Road and Chief Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange Bridge, the 30.20km reconstruction, rehabilitation of Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo Road, the Ifetedo-Ile Ife Road as well as the Ilesa-Ife dual carriage way.
Fashola noted that the Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange bridge, will certainly be a masterpiece when completed.
The minister, who was led round the project sights by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Osun State, Engr. Nurudeen Adeagbo, also charged the contractors handling the road projects to ensure quality and timely delivery.
He said: “I want to sincerely appreciate the efforts of Ogbeni Aregbesola on his intervention on federal roads in the state despite the paucity of funds.
“He is not only attempting at doing the roads, I can see that the projects have been given to competent contractors who are doing a good job.
“Road construction is a continuous thing.
“We will see how we can partner with you and support your efforts.
“I assure you that the debts on these roads will be paid very soon.
“The President is serious about making this easy for you.
“I am so delighted seeing the kind of mutual relationship that exists between the Federal Controller of Works and that of Housing with government officials in Osun.
“These people should be seen as ambassadors because they are to assist in delivering good projects for Osun.
“Let me make it clear that the Federal Government is not in competition with any state governor concerning road projects.
“We are just concerned about the delivery of quality road projects across the country.
“I want to sincerely thank the government of Osun for being one of the few states that gave us land for housing project.
“This will go a long way in enhancing building as well as reducing the rate of unemployment in Osun.
“We are also responsible for the delivery of power to Nigerians.
“We have recently approved the extension of the Osogbo transmission station.
“This will also help in boosting energy supply all around the country.
“We have got the letter from the Government of Osun seeking to provide power through involvement in a solar project.
“I want to assure you that we are fully in support of it…
“I am grateful for your commitment to the improvement of our nation and we urge you not to look back, I have absolute confidence in your capacity to deliver.
“Concerning most of the federal roads in Osun, I want you to please follow the actual alignment in the rehabilitation of these roads.
“For example, the Ilesa-Osogbo Road is not just from the roundabout at Ilesa, but from Eti Oni.
“I know there is paucity of funds, but will be very glad if you can embark on the Ilea-Ikirun-Iragbiji Road.
“It will be a major breakthrough for government as it will go a long way in opening a lot of farming communities in that area.
“As you go about doing your job around the country, in whatever capacity you feel you can assist us to better the lives and living conditions of our people in terms of the social amenities, which your office oversees, please do.”
