The reconstruction of the 61-kilometer Sango-Ifo-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State is set to commence soon. This project is among 40 road contracts approved by the state Executive Council.
Out of the 40 roads, 21 will be jointly managed by the state and federal governments, while the remaining 19 will be handled solely by the state government. Works and Infrastructure Commissioner Ade Akinsanya announced this at a news conference in Abeokuta yesterday. He mentioned specific roads including Alagbole – Ajunwon, Akute – Ajunwon, Toyin Hakuris Road in Ifo II Constituency in Ogun Central, Oke – Erinja – Erinja Road in Ogun West, and Awokoya Road in Ijebu Ode, Ogun East.
Flanked by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Akinsanya explained that the decision to reconstruct the roads aims to alleviate the hardship experienced by motorists and residents in the state.
The commissioner also noted that palliative work is ongoing on the Sango – Ota – Atan – down to Owode Idiroko axis of the highway, pending when the construction company awarded the contract in April begins work.
Sources indicate that the reconstruction will be conducted simultaneously by five teams to ensure early completion. When asked about obtaining the Federal Government’s transfer papers to commence the work, Akinsanya replied: “There is a presidential directive empowering states to fix federal roads if they choose. We must proceed with this road due to its importance and the daily suffering of our people and motorists.”
“There is an extract from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting regarding the transfer of such roads, so we cannot continue waiting.”
Governor Abiodun had previously lamented that the state faced “stiff opposition from some federal officials regarding the transfer of roads,” which led the government to formally award the contract for the 61-kilometer Sango-Ifo-Abeokuta Expressway, with or without the necessary transfer papers.
TheNAtion