Residents of Ikorodu, especially motorists plying the Ikorodu-Sagamu road, which has been a source of concern and nightmare to residents and road users may have to wait a little longer for the planned rehabilitation work by the federal government, to commence on the road.
This disclosure was made by Hon Babajimi Benson, member representing Ikorodu federal constituency at the House of Representatives, when cornered by Ikorodu Oga Radio reporter for update on the rehabilitation work to be embarked upon by the federal government.
‘Sincerely, I empathize with our people on the state of the road. I really wish I was the executive; I will just sign off the road. But, I can only put pressure on
them, I don’t have the power to force them. The minister for works is also concerned. But, from what they told me, they don’t want to award project, until it is cash-backed. They don’t have the money yet, but they are working assiduously to ensure the entire sum is ready before they award the contract.
Speaking further, Hon Benson said, ‘What I would hate is for them to erect signboard on the site and we start clapping, then we don’t see mobilisation. The Minister has directed that they should fastrack work on the road, as soon as it is awarded. That in itself is a show of commitment. He has never given such directive on any road but, our own Ikorodu -Sagamu. My appeal to our people is to exercise more patience with the government. We have waited this long, we only need to exercise a little bit of more patience and in the process of time, we will all be happy’.
This confirms a recent report we did on the plan by the ministry of finance to move certain capital projects from the 2017 budget over to the yet-to-be passed 2018 budget.
The minister for finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun made this startling revelation when making presentation to members of the National assembly committee on Finance and Appropriation at the national assembly sometimes in Septmeber.
The minister, who appeared alongside her counterpart in the Budget and Planning Ministry, Victor Udo-Udoma stated that, so far, her ministry has only been able to release a paltry 25% funding for the 2017 appropriated capital projects, thereby making the release of funds for the remaining capital projects for the year very uncertain.
