The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Oyo RAAMP) has signed a contract agreement worth ₦16,273,711,608.09 for the construction of about 68km rural roads under the phase one of the intervention project.
The contract-signing event took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ibadan-the Supervisory Ministry of Oyo RAAMP, under the supervision of the commissioner of the ministry, Olasunkanmi Olaleye.
As contained in a statement on Friday by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, five construction companies signed the contract agreements with Oyo RAAMP.
The construction companies are Dephhanny’s Venture Limited; Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited; Messrs Coastline Engineering Limited; Messrs Lopek Engineering and Construction Limited; and Messrs E.A.A Engineering Limited.
The contract was aimed at constructing the rural roads which cut across the about five local government areas of the state.
Addressing the contractors and stakeholders at the signing, Olaleye said the project aimed to upgrade rural roads, improve agricultural marketing and promote economic growth in Oyo State.
According to him, the project was expected to have a positive impact on lives of rural communities, farmers and traders, as well as market hubs to reduce post harvest lost of agricultural products.
The commissioner congratulated the firms/contractors which he said emerged from highly competitive bidding and procurement processes.
Olaleye said the phase one intervention roads of backlog maintenance/rehabilitation and cross drainage structures will include Fashola Farm Settlement Road networks, Oyo West; Oloko Oyo Junction- Ikere Junction, Iseyin Local Government; Alako-Idiya-Batake-Olowa Farm Settlement, Ido Local Government; Adebayo-Alata-Aba Oje, Oluyole Local Government; Okudi-Oyada Road, ATISBO Local Government; and Tewure-Ila Junction Road, Oriire Local Government.
He therefore urged the contractors to ensure that they execute quality and satisfactory jobs.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, said the project objectives align with the vision of the state government under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
The vision, she said, encompassed supporting farmers with necessary equipments to enhance food security.
She added that with signing of the contract agreement, Oyo State was a step closer to achieving its goals of promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods and enhancing food security.
Mrs. Owoeye therefore thanked the Federal Government and development partners, including the World Bank and French Development Agency.
In her remarks, the Oyo State Project Coordinator, RAAMP, Engineer Adeola Ekundayo, urged the contractors to cooperate with stakeholders who will be monitoring their activities.
She also said a Grievance Redress Committee on each of the roads have been constituted, in accordance with the Project Implementation Manual, noting that the committee will meet before commencement of civil works.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Shan Jingwu, a representative of CGC Construction company, commended RAAMP for being transparent in the selection process that ushered in his company.
He gave an assurance that his team will be very professional in the discharge of their duties.
