Date: 2016-12-09

The Kwara State government says its decision to embark on the streetlight project is part of efforts to beef up surveillance and security of lives and property across the State as well as create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the metropolis. Speaking during an interactive radio programme on Thursday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Mahmud Ajeigbe noted that the project will lead to a reduction of criminal activities, particularly at night.He also explained that the project will be financed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) over a period of 10 years, which according to him provides an affordable repayment for the State government. He noted that the government will start repayment after the streetlights have been tested and proven to be of the highest quality, adding that this will not place any additional burden on the state's finances.

The Commissioner emphasised that other infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, and security which are currently on-going across the state will continue.

Alhaji Ajeigbe added that the contractors will design, build, operate and maintain the project for the 10 years before they will now transfer it to the State government. On the London, Paris Club loan refund, Alhaji Ajeigbe said that the Kwara State government is yet to receive any payment from the Federal Government, noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance is yet to announce the states that will be paid.

He, therefore, urged the public to disregard the internet rumours that the government has received the payment.