Ekiti Approves N10.781bn For Healthcare, Water, Road Projects

Ekiti State government has approved the sum of N10.781 billion for the execution of projects in healthcare, water supply, road infrastructure, aviation, public safety, security and institutional development.

The projects were considered and approved during the Ekiti State Executive Council seventh meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, said they formed parts of policy initiatives and strategic projects aimed at strengthening governance, improving institutional capacity, expanding critical infrastructure and advancing sustainable socio-economic development across the state.

Some of the key decisions reached by the council was the approval of the sum of N448,074,075 for the provision of office equipment for the Ministry of Special Duties and the replacement of worn-out furniture at the Presidential Lodge and its extension.

He said, “The approval is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Ministry of Special Duties, enhancing administrative efficiency and facilitating the timely processing of official documents to support effective service delivery. It is also intended to improve the standard of facilities at the Presidential Lodge and its Extension, making them more suitable for official engagements and hospitality”.

He added that the Council also approved the total sum of ₦6,765,887,612.22 for the construction of new hospital buildings at the General Hospitals in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Awo-Ekiti and Ipao-Ekiti, as part of the administration’s sustained commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving access to quality medical services and advancing Universal Health Coverage across the State.

“The approved sum comprises ₦2,255,295,870.74 each for the three hospital projects.The proposed developments will provide essential healthcare facilities, including Female Ward, Male Ward, Mortuary, Maternity and Delivery Suite, Children’s Ward, Gate House, Consulting Room, Theatre, Staff Quarters, Laboratory and Main Building/Administrative Block”.

Also, the sum of ₦1,093,694,524.13 was okayed for the construction of 400m Olajiga Street, Egbewa and 915m GRA 3rd Extension (Ifesowapo–Ibi Oluwatoba Avenue–Ori Apata Roads), Ado-Ekiti, in furtherance of the administration’s commitment to improving urban road infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and facilitating movement, commercial activities and access to residential, educational and other areas within the metropolis.

The Council additionally approved the sum of ₦340,612,472.69 for the construction of a 1km access road from the threshold of Runway 21 to the CVOR Navigation Aid Site at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, as part of measures to address outstanding infrastructure and operational requirements necessary for the facility to obtain full operational approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

‘’The State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦155,350,466.40 for the implementation of Phase II of the Afao-Ekiti Streetlight Project and the installation of solar-powered street lights within Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of the Administration’s commitment to improving security, public safety and night-time mobility across the State.

“It also approved the sum of ₦296,217,500.00 for the bulk purchase of 104 solar-powered water pumps to support the upgrading, rehabilitation and reticulation of 104 high-yielding boreholes under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme in Ekiti State.

‘’The plan is to upgrade 104 existing boreholes with reliable water yields and connect them to functional water distribution systems, comprising pipelines, storage tanks, pumps and designated distribution points, to ensure that water is efficiently conveyed to areas where more people can access it across benefiting communities”.

‘’There was also approval of the sum of ₦1,681,198,360.20 for the upgrading and rehabilitation of 104 high-yielding boreholes across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ekiti State under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.”

The intervention, according to him is aimed at expanding access to sustainable, reliable and potable water supply through the conversion of the identified boreholes into reticulated solar-powered water facilities, in line with the objectives of the SURWASH Programme.