The Ayodele Fayose-led government in Ekiti State has put the total cost of the Fajuyi-Ojumose 1.3kilometers overhead bridge in Ado Ekiti at N6.4billion.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Toyin Ojo who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the amount was far below the figures being peddled about as the cost of the bridge.
Giving a breakdown of the expenditure, Chief Ojo said that the cost increased from the initial estimate of N5.2billion to N6.4billion to accommodate additional expenses that were not captured in the initial budget for the project.
He highlighted the supplementary works on the project to include extension of the bridge, beautification of the area, construction of alternative roads as well as payment of compensation to owners of properties that gave way for the project.
Describing the project as part of the development and urbanisation schemes of the Fayose led administration, Ojo stressed that the bridge would ease traffic flow and decrease time wasted by commuters on the road and eliminate unnecessary stress.
The Commissioner appealed to the Federal Government to refund the expenses incurred by the State Government for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Federal roads in the State adding that the State has filed all necessary documents and obtained the concurrence of the Federal Ministry of Works.
He lamented that like most States in the federation; Ekiti was under dire financial constraints and would appreciate a quick refund of all outstanding money owed the State to enable the State Government fulfil its obligations to the people.
Ojo, however, assured that the State Government would continue to work relentlessly towards improving the lots of the people in spite of the economic impediments.
Disclosing that the State has set a benchmark of 400million Naira as its monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the Commissioner assured that all funds would be judiciously utilised, stressing that the present administration in the State totally abhor extra-budget spending.
He described the Fiscal Responsibility bill passed by the State House of Assembly as a display of the commitment of the Fayose led administration to transparency and accountability adding that all contracts must be cleared by the State Ministry of Finance before being presented at the State Tenders’ Board to guarantee budget discipline.
Packaged by Omotoyosi Jesuleye
