Ekiti approves N16.75bn for road, streetlight projects

The Ekiti State Executive Council has given the green light to a substantial N16.75 billion investment in road infrastructure and solar-powered streetlights across the state. The announcement came on Monday following an Executive Council meeting, with the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, detailing the projects aimed at boosting connectivity and economic development.

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The project is expected to improve the movement of people and goods, enhance the security of lives and property, facilitate easier access to the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and other tourism assets, and stimulate economic activities along the corridor.

A significant portion of the funds, N14.309 billion, is earmarked for two major road projects. The largest of these is the N12.576 billion reconstruction of the 18.83-kilometer Ilawe–Erijiyan–Ikogosi Road. This project is expected to enhance the movement of goods and people, improve security, and facilitate access to the popular Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, with a completion timeline of 16 months.

Additionally, N1.733 billion will fund the reconstruction of a 2.24-kilometer stretch in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. This road has suffered significant deterioration and its upgrade aims to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and ease transportation challenges for residents. This project is slated for completion within 12 months.

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The road, which has deteriorated significantly over the years, will be reconstructed to address extensive pavement failure, improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, enhance security, and ease transportation challenges for residents and motorists.

The council also approved N2.063 billion for upgrading four existing rural road projects. This involves increasing the asphalt thickness from 30mm to 40mm on roads totaling over 60 kilometers. The decision stems from traffic assessments revealing higher-than-projected vehicular volumes, necessitating a stronger pavement structure for long-term sustainability. These additional works will be carried out by the original contractors to ensure quality and continuity.

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Council noted that although the roads were originally designed in accordance with the World Bank’s Low Volume Roads Manual for rural roads, traffic assessments during construction revealed that they are experiencing significantly higher vehicular volumes than initially projected.