The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Oyo RAAMP) has signed a contract agreement worth N16 billion for the construction of about 68km rural roads under phase 1 of the intervention project.
The contract-signing event which 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 had five construction companies sign contract agreements with Oyo RAAMP.
The construction companies were 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.
Addressing the contractors and stakeholders at the signing ceremony, Olaleye said the project aims to upgrade rural roads, improve agricultural marketing and promote economic growth in Oyo state.
According to him, the project is expected to have a positive impact on lives of rural communities, farmers and traders as well as market hubs to reduce post-harvest loss of agricultural products.
While congratulating the firms/contractors who emerged from the highly competitive bidding and procurement processes, the commissioner explained that the phase 1 intervention roads of backlog maintenance/rehabilitation and cross drainage structures would 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 governments respectively.
He urged the contractors to ensure that they execute quality and satisfactory jobs.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs Abosede Owoeye said that the project objectives align with the vision of the present government in Oyo State under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde which includes supporting farmers with necessary equipment to enhance food security.
She added that with signing of contract agreement, Oyo State is one step closer to achieving its goals of promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods and enhancing food security.
Owoeye thanked the federal government and development partners including the World Bank and French Development Agency for their support.
The Oyo State project coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, 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 according to the Project Implementation Manual which they would meet before the commencement of civil works.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, a representative of CGC Construction Company, Mr Shan Jingwu, commended RAAMP for being transparent in the selection process that ushered in his company and promised that his team would be very professional in the discharge of their duties.
