By Kayode Abdulazeez
Kwara state Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed has commissioned N200 million asphalt plant financed by the state government.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who described the asphalt plant with a capacity of 25 tons per hour, as a major milestone of his administration, he reiterates his administration determination to create vital new infrastructure and maintain existing ones for the benefit of the people of the state.
The Governor directed the State Ministry of Works and Transport to commence the immediate section overlay and filling of potholes on major roads within Ilorin metropolis, the state capital, and other parts of the state.
According to him, benefits of the plant include substantial reduction of cost of road maintenance and provision of employment to professionals and artisan who will be employed on the project and other road projects across the state.
Ahmed gave an assurance that the plant will attract patronage from within and outside the state as it “has been tested and found to be of the highest quality standard”
The Governor appreciated what he called people’s patience with government over the state of roads across Ilorin metropolis, adding that the “current state of our roads and other infrastructure is attributable to wear and tear as it is also due to willful damage by certain members of the public”.
He commended the Federal Government for accommodating most of the major federal roads in the state in the 2016 Federal Appropriation Act and resumption of work on Ilorin-Jebba Road, Ajasse-Offa Road and Offa Bye-Pass.
The State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya, said with the asphalt plant, the Ministry and its agencies will now respond quickly to impact of erosion and road degradation across the State.
Alhaja Yahaya assured the plant’s host community of their safety as periodic environmental impact assessment will be emphasised to protect them from health hazards
