Oyo State government through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has signed a contract agreement worth N16,273,711,608.09 for the construction of about 68km rural roads under phase 1 of the intervention project.
The contract agreement signing event took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Five construction companies that signed the contract agreements with 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.
This is aimed at constructing the rural roads which cut across the about five local government areas of Oyo State.
Addressing the contractors and stakeholders at the signing, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the project aims to upgrade rural roads, improve agricultural marketing and promote economic growth in Oyo State.
According to Olasunkanmi, 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 Local Government, Oloko Oyo Junction-Ikere Junction, Iseyin Local Government; Alako-Idiya-Batake-Oluwa Farm settlement Ido Local Government; Adebayo-Alata-Aba Oje, Oluyole Local Government; Okudi-Oyada road, Atisbo Local Government; and Tewure-Ila junction road, Oriire Local Governments respectively.
He, therefore, urged the contractors to ensure they execute quality and satisfactory jobs.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye said that the project objectives align with 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 added that with signing of contract agreement, Oyo State is one step closer to achieving its goals of promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and enhancing food security.
Mrs. Owoeye therefore thanked the Federal Government and Development Partners; World Banks 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 also said the 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.
He promised that his team will be very professional in the discharge of their duties.
