Fourteen years after the commencement of the New Carriage- Challenge-Apata road project initiated by late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, the inner road has finally been completed by the current administration led by Engr Seyi Makinde for socio – economic growth of the state.

The project, which length is 11.8 kilometers, will greatly improve commuting time from Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and to other parts of the ancient city.

 

It is also expected to boost socio-economic activities among the people. According to the construction giant , Messrs Kopek Construction Limited who handled the job, the project is hundred percent completed and awaiting commissioning. Many residents who spoke with this correspondent, paid glowing tributes to Governor Seyi Makinde for completing the project abandoned for eight years by his predecessor.

 

They also commended the contractor for the good job which could be seen in the quality of all the components of the road.

 

Speaking on the project which was done in three phases, Pa Mathew Adejobi described Governor Makinde as true symbol of a good leader .

 

Pa Adejobi who is one of the landlords in Kuola area of Apata , Ibadan, noted that despite the initial setback and the decision by late Sen Abiola Ajimobi not to touch the project for eight years, governor Makinde showed exemplary leadership by ensuring the completion of the project started by late Otunba Alao-Akala.

 

Also, Alhaja Bosede Adeogun , a resident of Challenge area of Ibadan expressed gratitude to governor Seyi Makinde for deeming fit to complete the project , adding that the governor has always demonstrated that he cares for the people.

 

“When the road was started by our former governor Alao-Akala we were so happy and overjoyed. This road has brought uncountable benefits to the people of Ibadan. But after Alao-Akala left, late governor Ajimobi did not touch it for eight years. The people felt the pains because the road was abandoned. You can see now that people are very happy with our governor , Seyi Makinde, because he completed this road . See, the problem of traffic and pains of sleeping on the road for hours at Apata, that is no longer there because of this new road. We are happy and we are God for the life of our governor Makinde,” Alhaja Adeogun said.

 

Speaking on behalf of Messrs Kopek Construction Limited, Engr Paul Chamoun who is the Project Manager of the company said the quality of the road can be compared with the best anywhere in the world,  assuring that the road would be adequately maintained for a whole year.

 

He further commended the communities for their help, support and cooperation within the period the project lasted, despite the painful decision to demolish a big estate to pave way for the construction of the road.

 

“There  a lot of compensation on the road. After the compensation was fully done, we started the demolition,  and it took us less than a year to complete the project. Honestly, we thank God we didn’t face any challenge . As for the community, they were very helpful , really they are very friendly.

 

“From the government also, there was no delay in any payment , and there was no challenge in all these. You know , Kopek Construction Limited is a well known company, we are more than 35 years in the construction business especially in the South West, we thank God that we are known for quality job, and we try our best the maximum we can do to make sure that we deliver the best job and the best quality.

 

“On the maintenance , we have one year for the maintenance of the road, but I can assure you that the work we did on the road is superb, and standard,” he stated.