Oyo Government Signs Contract for Construction of 68km Road Project

The Oyo State Government has signed a contract agreement worth N16, 273,711,608.09 with five construction companies for the construction of about 68km rural roads under phase 1 of the intervention project.

The contract was signed on behalf of the government by the Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Oyo RAAMP) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ibadan- the Supervisory Ministry of Oyo RAAMP, under the supervision of the commissioner of the Ministry, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye.

The five construction companies that signed the contract agreements with Oyo RAAMP include Dephhanny’s Venture Limited; Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited; Messrs Coastline Engineering Limited; Messrs Lopek Engineering and Construction Limited and Messrs E.A.A Engineering Limited, for the construction of rural roads which cut across about five Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Addressing the contractors and stakeholders at the signing, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the project aims to upgrade rural roads, improve agricultural marketing and promote economic growth in Oyo State, noting that the project is expected to have a positive impact on lives of rural communities, farmers, and traders as well as market hubs, to reduce post-harvest loss of agricultural products.

While congratulating the firms/contractors who finally emerged from the highly competitive bidding and procurement processes, the commissioner explained that the phase 1 intervention roads of backlog maintenance/rehabilitation and cross drainage structures will include: Fashola Farm Settlement road networks, Oyo West, Oloko Oyo Junction- Ikere Junction, and Iseyin Local Government Area.

He mentioned others as: Alako-Idiya-Batake- Olowa Farm settlement Ido Local Government Area; Adebayo-Alata-Aba Oje, Oluyole Local Government Area; Okudi-Oyada road, Atisbo Local Government Area ; and Tewure-Ila junction road, Oriire Local Governments Area, urging the contractors to ensure they execute quality and satisfactory jobs.

In her address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, noted that the project objectives align with the vision of the present government in Oyo State, under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde, which includes supporting farmers with necessary equipment to enhance food security.

She stated that with the signing of the contract agreement, Oyo State is one step closer to achieving its goals of promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and enhancing food security, thanking the Federal Government and Development Partners; World Bank, and Friench Development Agency.

In her remarks, the Oyo State Project Coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Engr Adeola Ekundayo, urged the contractors to cooperate with stakeholders who will be monitoring their activities.

She said Grievance Redress Committee on each of the roads have been constituted, according to the Project Implementation Manual which they will meet before commencement of civil works.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Shan Jingwu, a representative of CGC Construction Company, commended RAAMP for being transparent in the selection process that ushered in his company, promising hat his team will be very professional in the discharge of their duties.