Date: 2013-09-20

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has called for a strong synergy between the Federal and the two other tiers of government on the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads across the country.

Ahmed made the call yesterday in his address at  the closing of the 20th edition of the National Council on Works which took place at the Banquet hall, Government House, Ilorin the Kwara State capital.

Gov Ahmed, who canvassed for proper maintenance of roads and other infrastructural facilities in the country, revealed that his administration places utmost priority to road construction and rehabilitation as a necessary ingredient for  sustainable economic growth and development of the country.

He disclosed that his administration, within two years, had initiated and constructed over 400 kilometers of roads, adding that about 500 kilometers of roads are currently under construction across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Ahmed added that his government intervened in the various Federal road projects in the state especially the Patigi/Kpada road, Ohan bridge, University road and other Federal roads to the tune of about N7 billion.

He particularly disclosed that the Kaiama/Kisi road project would gulp over N8 billion with the Federal Government paying over N2 billion for its take off.

In his speech at the occasion, the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen said far reaching decisions were taken at the last council on Works to set the platform for the Ministry of Works to revolutionalize the road sector for economic development of the nation.

Onolememen explained that the decision was in line with the transformation agenda of the present administration which seeks to deliver better and safer roads to Nigerians.

While speaking on the theme of this year's council meeting, "Reforming the road sector for sustainable economic development" the Minister said it could not have come at a better time than now when the government is gunning for the improvement on road infrastructures for the attainment of socioeconomic growth in Nigeria.

Onolememen disclosed that the National Council on Privatization has approved two bills for the creation of the Federal Road Authority and National Road Fund arising from the Ministry's report, adding that it would be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

The Minister stated further that his ministry was working with relevant government agencies and corporate organizations o ensure that the National Tolling Policy is in place before the end of this year to achieve private sector financed road infrastructure in the country.

"The Ministry has commenced the implementation of new policies towards better service delivery. They include the use of bitumen emulsion in all road projects in line with the Kyoto Protocol that discourages emission of gases that increase global warming, and abolished the use of kerosene on any road project in Nigeria" he said

Onolememen revealed that his ministry had within two years. made significant progress in the rehabilitation, construction, reconstruction, expansion and maintenance of key arterial roads acros the six geopolitical zones of the country.