Ekiti State Executive Council, on Wednesday, approved the variation of rates on the construction of the Ekiti Ring Road Phase I and immediate commencement of work on the road.
The road which starts from Iworoko Ekiti through Are, Afao, Araromi Obo, Ekiti Cargo Airport and terminates at Aso Ayegunle, Ijan road, was first awarded in November, 2020.
The State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo who made this known during a joint Press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, explained that the outbreak of COVID-19 around the period the contract was awarded stalled the execution of the project.
Mr. Adebayo explained further that by the time the effects of the virus subsided, the prices of construction materials had gone up astronomically due to volatility in foreign exchange rates, double-digit inflation and fluctuation in market price indices.
Describing the road as a top priority to the State Government, Adebayo noted that it would serve the cargo airport and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone adding that it would considerably decongest traffic in Ado metropolis as well as produce a lot of other socio-economic benefits for residents and the State in general.
He said that the road would be completed between 18 and 20 months.
In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Environment, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe disclosed that the State Executive Council also approve the purchase of three 4X2 Hook Arm Garbage trucks and 20 single CBM Dino Bins to boost efforts at keeping the State clean.
Chief Aluko said that the approval was given to facilitate medium and long-term measures to ensure that the sanitation situation across the State improves and guarantee epidemic free environment.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun described the approvals as a manifestation of the commitment of the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the rapid development of the State.
Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun noted that the administration has touched all its six pillars of governance in the last one year, stressing that the rapid development process would not only attract investors but would also make the environment a better place for residents.
