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The Oyo State House of Assembly at plenary on Tuesday, passed the budget alignment bill of N3,690,483,532 into law, a development that would enable Governor Abiola Ajimobi devote the amount to ongoing road projects in the state.
The funds would be committed to road projects that include the dualisation of Idi Ape-Basorun-Odogbo Barracks road, dualisation of Saki township road, dualisation of Agodi gate-Old Ife road to Adegbayi junction and expansion of Oke Adu-Agodi gate-Idi Ape-Iwo road interchange.
It was learnt that the funds for the road projects would be moved from unutilised appropriation for Capital Development Fund – Infrastructural development and Construction/Provision of Residential buildings (Governor’s lodge).
Last month, the House of Representatives Committee on Works, led by its Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike, commended Governor Ajimobi, for taking up the responsibility of rehabilitating federal roads in the state.
The committee chairman had led other members to the state to monitor the condition of federal road projects across the state as part of its oversight function.
He assured the governor that the committee was working with relevant authorities to ensure prompt reimbursement of the construction fund committed to federal roads as a repository gesture.
Responding, Ajimobi had said: “All roads, whether state or federal roads are situated within the state. That is why we think states are supposed to be empowered to care for roads, as the roads impact on smooth movement of commerce, infrastructure and manpower for economic growth”.
Other bills that where passed on Tuesday by the House of Assembly are: Oyo State Infrastructure Maintenance and Control Agency bill 2016 and Oyo State Primary HealthCare Development Agency bill, 2016.
Addressing newsmen after the sitting, the Speaker of the House, Mr Michael Adeyemo said that during the year, the Assembly passed many bills and motions that have brought progress and development to the state.
He added that the lawmakers were also have also active in their oversight functions.
He promised that in 2017, the Assembly would do more legislative work for the betterment and progress of the state.