Ekiti bans laterite, orders stone-based materials for road construction

The Ekiti State Government has directed contractors handling road construction or rehabilitation projects across the state to adhere to its stone-based policy and discontinue the use of laterite.

Additionally, contractors have been instructed to ensure the speedy completion of all projects according to the scheduled dates specified in their letters of award.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, who led a team of top government officials on a tour of ongoing projects, issued the directive over the weekend. He said that the government would not accept substandard work.

Speaking at the conclusion of the media tour, which included projects initiated by the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration as well as those inherited from previous administrations, Olatunbosun stated that the current government aims to transform most, if not all, parts of the state into construction sites.

He said that the administration intends to implement long-lasting projects that will endure for decades and will not tolerate any haphazardly executed work.

Olatunbosun assured that the current administration remains committed to prioritising social amenities and facilities, such as roads, hospitals, electricity, water provision, and safe school environments, to enhance the quality of life for residents across the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Adebimpe Aderiye, added that the administration is focusing not only on infrastructure but also on human capital development and empowerment. She noted that over 2,000 indigent students across the 16 local government areas of the state have benefited from the state government’s conditional cash transfer program to support their education.

Among the projects inspected are the Ekiti International Arts and Culture Centre in Ekute, Ado-Ekiti; the comprehensive renovation of the General Hospital in Ijan Ekiti; the ongoing construction of a 100-bed hostel at Command School, Isan Ekiti; and the multi-billion Naira second flyover bridge in Ado-Ekiti.

Other ongoing projects include the Isinbode-Ara-Ikole 19.5 km road, the Itapa-Ijelu-Omu 9.8 km road, the Iloro/Ipoti/Ilukuno/Ijurin/Ayegunle road, renovation work at Smart School in Ijan-Ekiti, hospital renovations, renovation of secondary schools, and construction of new facilities at Ekiti State Special School for the Mentally and Physically Challenged in Ido-Ekiti.

Residents of the benefiting communities have praised the government, noting that many of the projects, especially those related to schools, hospitals, electricity, and roads, will significantly improve their lives and boost socio-economic activities. They commended the governor for addressing their critical needs and fulfilling many of his election promises.