Date: 2016-12-05

The Kwara State government is embarking on a N6 billion Light Up Kwara project, it was learnt yesterday.

A statement by Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed's Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said the Commissioner for Energy Idris Abubakar spoke when he addressed a news conference in Ilorin, the state capital.

The project, which is expected to cost about N6 billion, will light up every street at night to prevent hoodlums operating in the dark.

According to the commissioner, the project will be in two phases; the first will cover 78 kilometres within Ilorin, and phase II is to cover councils, such as Offa, Omu-Aran, Moro and Edu.

Abubakar said the project would be financed through Private Public Partnership (PPP) for 10 years, with the partners to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project for the period before handing over to the government.

"Repayment will start when the government is sure all is well; the project is tested, reliable and efficiently serving its purpose", Abubakar said.

Commissioner for Information Muhammad Ajeigbe hinted that the council approved the construction of Kwara State University (KWASU) campuses at Ilesha Baruba and Osi.

He said the contract was awarded at N2.8 billion on private public partnership to be repaid on agreed terms through IFK funding window.