The Ekiti State Government has commenced the asphalting of 5.7km Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso road and 11.31km Ijero-Epe-Araromi-Iropora roads which are critical rural infrastructure projects aimed at boosting food security in the state.
Speaking on the development, the Project Coordinator of Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) Hon. Sunday Adunmo expressed satisfaction that the project is recording successes as the asphalting of the two roads makes five RAAMP roads which are currently undergoing asphalting in the State.
Adunmo who disclosed that the contractor would lay up to 4km of asphalt on Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso road while earthworks and concrete works on the remaining 1.7km would be completed soon.
He disclosed that asphalting would also begin very soon on six other roads, particularly, Enu Odi-Ita Eku-Igirigiri road in Ado Ekiti and Ilupeju-Igbo Egan-Ayede road in Ilupeju Ekiti which have been primed and are awaiting asphalting.
“Just about 3 weeks ago, we started asphalting of Ido-Ipere-Iludun road. Today, the contractor has laid close to 4km of asphalt. We are pleased that two other contractors have begun asphalting. Messrs Dominant is laying asphalt on Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso road while Messrs Wals and Funs has also commenced same on Ijero-Epe-Araromi-Iropora road. We are glad that we are not only making progress; we are equally making positive impacts on the lives of our rural communities, particularly the farmers”, he said.
On the quality of the roads, Adunmo said the construction works are being monitored by a team of professionals including the consultant, the State Project Implementation Unit, the State Independent Project Monitoring Office and Governor Biodun Oyebanji himself.
The roads, according to him, are designed as low volume, laterite-based roads.
The project coordinator
who noted that the two roads which serve as vital links between major agricultural areas, are expected to significantly improve access to farms, reduce transportation costs, and increase the productivity of farmers in the region.
He stated that the asphalting of Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso road and Ijero-Epe-Araromi-Iropora road is part of the state government’s broader initiative to improve rural infrastructure and boost agricultural productivity.
Adunmo said the project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of farmers and rural dwellers, who will benefit from improved access to markets, reduced transportation costs, and increased economic opportunities.
He said the commencement of asphalting on the roads is a testament to the state government’s commitment to investing in rural infrastructure and promoting agricultural development.
While commending Governor Biodun Oyebanji for promoting economic growth by improving infrastructure, the RAAMP Coordinator said by focusing on agricultural infrastructure, the Oyebanji-led government is working to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for the people of Ekiti State.
Adunmo specifically acknowledged the support provided by Governor Oyebanji for the take-off of the project as well as the provision of matching funds which are major criteria for participating in the RAAMP initiative.
He said Oyebanji’s government recognizes the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring food security, to create an enabling environment for farmers to thrive.
He urged residents and road users to exercise patience and caution as the project is ongoing.