The Kwara State Government is set to access a World Bank loan facility under the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) for the construction of rural roads in the State.
The State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed made the disclosure when he received Traditional Rulers as well as elders from Kwara North who paid him a sallah homage on Tuesday at the government house, Ilorin.
Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) is the World Bank assisted project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and supported by the French Development Agency.
He noted that RAMP would help meet the yearnings of rural dwellers in terms of road networking and improve road transportation in the rural areas through the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of rural roads.
Alhaji Ahmed said the rural roads construction project will help significantly in exploring and harnessing the agricultural potential of the state by facilitating the transportation of farm produce to the markets in good time thereby reduce post-harvest loss.
He added that the construction of the rural roads will enhance the economy and livelihood of the citizens in the state.
Similarly, Governor Ahmed disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved the construction of Share – Patigi road stressing that when completed, the road will serve Tsaragi, Patigi and Shonga communities.
Also, the governor expressed optimism that the Kishi-Kaiama road will soon be completed.
He said though the road is a federal government facility, the State government intervened on the road due to its importance and to reduce the hardship faced by road users who ply the route.
Ahmed assured that the contractor would move back to the project site as soon as funds are released by the Federal Ministry of Works.
In his remarks, the Etsu of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar the royal fathers pledged the support of the people of Kwara North to the Ahmed-led administration. He also commended the governor for the approval of the renovation of traditional palaces across the State.