The Kwara State government has explained the delay in the completion of Tunde Idiagbon Flyover project along the University of Ilorin Road, Tanke, Ilorin.
The State’s Commissioner for Works, Engr. Rotimi Ilyasu, explained that the delay in the completion of the project, which started over a year ago, was caused by climatic weather challenges and market forces.
But, the residents of the area have lamented the inconvenience the delay in the completion of the project was causing them.
Those who spoke with LEADERSHIP included commuters and shop owners along the project route.
Two residents, Mr. John Abidemi and Olagoke Kolade, however, expressed appreciation to the state government for embarking on the project aimed at easing traffic gridlock on the ever-busy Tanke Road.
They added: “This area used to witness heavy traffic jam. With this, we can see that achievements are speaking for the governor among his peers in the APC.
“However, we residents of Tanke area feel that the project should have been completed by now knowing that this project has a deadline. This is raining season and we’re yet to get the project completed. We only hope that the project would be delivered for the use of the general public,” they said.
They called on the government to complete the project on time to ease inconvenience being experienced presently.
Mrs Opemipo Shade, who said that development does not come to any society without some level of suffering or hardship, however, added that some people were being deprived of their socio-economic livelihood along the route.
“So, we call on the state government to expedite action on the project and commission it for the use of the people, especially the students, and motoring public,” she stated.
The commissioner for Works, Ilyasu, said that works on the flyover project has reached between 85 and 90 per cent completion stage.
He, however, said that weather condition had slowed down rate of work, explaining that recent rainfalls had washed away earth works on surfaces of the road.
“In the couple of weeks, hopefully before May 29, it would be ready for use. Actually, both sides of the flyover are partially opened for motorists now especially in the evening when work is not done.
“All hands are on deck to deliver quality job. This is a project we can’t take chances on. And so far, it’s been very good,” he added.
He identified weather challenges and undulating market prices as some of the factors responsible for the delay in delivering the project to the public.
