FG closing infrastructure gap, says Fashola

Minister of Works and Housing, Raji Fashola, yesterday that the country was steadily reducing the gap of its infrastructural needs by the gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on highways.

Fashola, who spoke in Nsukka, Enugu State, while handing over the 2.2 kilometres road rehabilitated by the Federal Government, said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration had stepped up work in all sectors of the economy.

The minister, represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Mr. Femi Oyekanmi, said that construction of roads in Nigerian tertiary institutions had become a major policy of the current administration.

He said: “Currently, there are 43 of such interventions in internal roads within the tertiary institutions across Nigeria and the students are expressing a renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes.

“Some defective roads have been restored to become motorable.”

Fashola said that it was not debatable that quality education would be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment.

“While it is true that a lot needs to be done in every sector of our national life, including education, the Buhari government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that job done.

“Those who doubt it should listen to some of the feedback from students in the schools where this intervention has taken place,” he said.

He stated that 18 out of the 43 ongoing road interventions had been completed “and today, we are handing over this one as a critical contribution to support education.”

Fashola added that about 27 people were directly employed in the course of the job.