GOVERNOR ABDULRAZAQ FLAGS OFF 209.77KM ROAD CONSTRUCTION AMID RENEWED INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT DRIVE 21-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged-off the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads totaling 209.77km, as part of his administration drive to connect the state’s agrarian hinterlands to the markets in the urban areas and strengthen food security.
The projects are being prosecuted under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, an initiative for which the administration has committed at least N4bn counterpart funds in the last five years.
RAAMP is jointly funded by the World Bank and French Development Agency, with the state government providing counterpart funds.
Governor AbdulRazaq said the investments have yielded the 209.77km costed at over N19.4b for the benefits of the people.
He explained that the RAAMP project aligns with the government’s commitment to revolutionize rural infrastructure for agricultural development in the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the World Bank and French Development Agency for providing the fund and the Federal Project Management Unit under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for proper coordination of RAAMP activities in Nigeria.
The Governor noted that the government would soon award contracts for the construction of three Agro-logistics Centres, one in each senatorial district to be sited in Ajase-Ipo, Alapa and Kaiama) and while more rural roads would spread to other areas.
He urged the contractors and consultants to deliver the projects within stipulated time and design specifications, and urged the host communities to support the initiative.
Senator Lola Ashiru, who spoke on behalf of other National Assembly members from the state, said many states of the federation, except Kwara, have long been benefiting from RAAMP intervention because the previous administrations in the state failed to fulfill the required obligations.
He praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the payment of counterpart funds which is an important requirement for accessing the grant, calling him a lover of the masses.
The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu described the project as another laudable initiative of the administration that would go a long way to ease access to farm produce and contribute to socio-economic development of the state.
The State Commissioner for Works, Engr AbdulQuawiy Olododo commended the Governor and other key stakeholders for their contributions and tireless efforts that made the day a reality, noting that the project would enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
Engr Abdulquawiy Olododo disclosed that not less than 170 road projects have been embarked upon across Kwara State with at least 65% of them already completed while others are progressing at an appreciable pace.
The State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr Isaac Kolo, said the government’s investments in rural road infrastructure and agro-logistics facilities showed that the Governor is visionary, goal-oriented and passionate about the people’s well-being.