…Says 235km to be delivered under
third phase of RAAMP
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun
Oyebanji, has announced plans by his administration to leverage its partnership
with the World Bank through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project
(RAAMP) to deliver 1,500 kilometres of roads across the state, in a major
effort to improve transportation and connectivity.
The Governor disclosed this on
Thursday evening at a Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti Central
Senatorial District, held in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area,
as part of consultations for the preparation of the 2027 Budget.
Oyebanji said the massive road
programme was designed to address transportation challenges, particularly in
rural communities, while improving access to markets, farms, social services
and economic opportunities across the state.
According to him, 235 kilometres
of rural roads are expected to be delivered under the third phase of RAAMP,
which is scheduled to commence after the rainy season.
The Governor explained that the
road intervention formed part of his administration's broader commitment to
fulfilling promises made to the people during the 2022 electioneering period
and subsequent annual budget consultations.
He said the projects being
implemented across the state demonstrated that his administration had remained
responsive to the needs and requests presented by citizens during town hall
meetings preceding budget preparations.
Going down memory lane, Oyebanji
said his administration had not reneged on the social contract entered into
with the people, noting that the quantum of projects executed across the
various local government areas reflected the government's commitment to its
promises.
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He stated: "Go and check the
records, I didn't betray the people's trust in the last four years. When I made
promises, I would fulfil them. I did everything I promised. I am making some
promises before you now, which I believe I will fulfil as long as I remain the
governor of this state."
He added that the planned
expansion of the road network to about 1,500 kilometres would significantly
enhance connectivity and reduce the difficulties associated with
transportation, particularly for residents of rural communities and farmers
seeking to move agricultural produce to markets.
Oyebanji also assured the
stakeholders that requests capable of improving the welfare of the people would
continue to receive attention through direct intervention by the state
government or partnerships with development partners.
Meanwhile, the Governor expressed
concern over perennial flooding and gully erosion affecting parts of Efon,
Aramoko and Ado Ekiti, saying his administration had studied the erosion
patterns and was working towards developing strategies to address the menace.
He disclosed that his
administration had renovated 110 primary healthcare centres, assuring residents
that more facilities would receive attention to improve healthcare delivery and
reduce mortality and morbidity.
The Governor also expressed
satisfaction with the improvement in the state's security situation, commending
traditional rulers for their roles in intelligence gathering and community
vigilance.
At the interactive session,
representatives of Ado, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ijero and Efon Local
Government Areas commended the Governor for what they described as prudent
management of resources and inclusive governance.
They particularly praised the
funding of the Local Council Development Areas, saying it had helped bring
development closer to the people.
In their requests for inclusion
in the 2027 Budget, the representatives called for more road connections,
improved electricity supply, stronger healthcare and ambulance services,
erosion control measures, potable water and the establishment of additional
public secondary schools across their communities.
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