Ekiti State Government has abolished the use of laterite as a base material for road construction in Ekiti State.
This decision was announced by the State Commissioner for Works, Mr Adesola Adebayo, during a 2-day media tour of major projects executed since the inception of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.
Speaking in Ikole Ekiti where he warned contractors that substandard work would not be tolerated, Mr Adebayo disclosed that contractors handling road projects in the state have been directed to use crushed stones as the base material before laying asphalt, ensuring that roads are more durable and cost-effective in the long term.
“The base is the foundation for a long-lasting road, and it is critical to choose the right material to guarantee value for the funds spent,” Adebayo emphasised.
Highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure development, the commissioner stated that the ongoing road projects are designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve the state’s interconnection, and enhance economic activities.
He listed 19 roads currently under construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation, including key routes such as the Ilawe-Ikere Road, Igbara Odo-Ikere Road, Iloro-Ijurin Road, Temidire-Ayegunle Road, Ipoti-Ilukuno-Oke Oro Road, Itapa-Ijelu Road, Isinbode-Ara-Ikole road, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki, the new Ado ring Road and the Ikogosi/Igbara-Odo Road.
Other projects include the Ado Township roads; Faglo-Dehead Road, and the new Ajilosun to Okeyinmi Flyover bridge.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun explained that the media tour was organised to keep the public well-informed about the government’s activities in line with the current administration’s transparency and inclusion policy which welcomes public scrutiny of the government’s efforts.
The media tour included members of the State Executive Council, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Kayode Babatuyi, as well as other prominent media executives and correspondents.
