Reps call for speedy completion of 32km Gbongon-Iwo-Oyo road

<p>On Wednesday, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to re-evaluate the cost of the 32-kilometre Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo Federal road and include it in the 2024 budget estimates.</p>, <p>The lawmakers also emphasized the need for the timely release of budgetary provisions in the 2023 Appropriation Act to expedite the ongoing rehabilitation of the road.</p>, <p>The resolution was passed following a motion sponsored by Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, who expressed concern over the deplorable state of the 32-kilometre Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo Federal road, which plays a vital role in the economic development of Osun State and its neighbouring State, Oyo, in the Southwestern part of Nigeria, passing through Iwo.</p>, <p>In his lead debate, Hon. Lukman acknowledged the efforts made by the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to address the dilapidated state of the road by awarding rehabilitation and reconstruction contracts in 2011 to Kopek Nigeria Limited at the cost of N6.900 billion. However, the project was abandoned midway.</p>, <p>He further mentioned that the project experienced delays due to setbacks in fund releases but was later remobilized in January 2017. Despite efforts to release funds when necessary, the road project remains incomplete.</p>, <p>Hon. Lukman expressed concerns about the dire conditions faced by road users during rainy seasons, leading to potholes, erosion, traffic congestion, and accidents. The hardships and loss of man-hours experienced by workers, businessmen, farmers, and residents of Osun State and Oyo State were also highlighted.</p>, <p>To ensure the timely completion of the road, the House tasked the Federal Ministry of Works, Power, and Housing to thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding the project’s delays. The aim is to identify the factors causing the delays and implement effective measures for the speedy completion of the road project.</p>, <p>Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, mandated the joint Committees on Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agenc