The People's Right To Know: Demanding Clarity On Kwara State's Road Projects
By Yusuf Musbau Dare
Governance is a solemn contract between leaders and the led, a pact bound by trust and transparency. In Kwara State, recent events have raised eyebrows and stirred curiosity, particularly regarding road projects and their management. As citizens, it is our right and duty to seek clarifications and demand accountability from our leaders.
The closure of the Flower Garden Road, a route of significance to many has left a trail of perplexity. Reports have it that this closure was to pave the way for the acquisition of a specific land, a deed that did indeed transpire. However, the failure to reopen the road raises questions about the governor's commitment to public welfare over personal interests. Governor AbdulRahman owes us an explanation on why the road is yet to be reopened after acquiring the land.
Another pressing matter is the Adeta-Itamo-Oloje road, a project adrift in the sea of stagnation for three years which long time ago has killed many businesses. Alas! How many contractors have been tasked with this project and what tempests have stirred the waters of its progress? Also, the governor's touted renovation of the Adeta-Pakata road in 2023, with a reported cost almost 300million Naira now appears to be a wasted effort as the shortsighted closed drainage system has caused erosion problem within a year. A life lost mant property destroyed. Isn’t this clearly a waste of State resources? What measure does this administration plan to take to rectify this situation and how will such wastage be prevented in the future?
The Unity Road dualization project has also come under scrutiny, shrouded in conflicting reports on its cost. Whether it was 2billion , 1.8billion or 1.5billion Naira, the justification for the expense vis-Ã -vis the length of the road remains unclear. It is of vital importance for Governor AbdulRahman to disclose the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation(BEME) for this project and other mentioned above to ease suspicions of financial mismanagement.
Similarly, the Gaa-Osibi road, plagued by a four-year delay also demands explanations. What are the reasons behind its prolonged delay and what are the steps being taken to ensure its completion without further ado?
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Governor AbdulRahman is implored to address these concerns and provide clear and cogent reasons for his administration inefficiencies on the above projects. The people of Kwara State yearn for clarity and assurance that their resources are being judiciously utilized for the betterment of all, not for personal gains or political expediency. It is only through such transparency that trust between the government and the governed can be restored and nurtured.
These questions are not meant to criticize but to seek understanding and ensure that our common patrimony is managed responsibly, avoiding the pitfalls experienced in other states for power is Transient! Learn from Yahaya Bello political travails after office as I don't want to call you Yahaya Bello of Kwara.
Signed.
Yusuf Musbau Dare
Convener,
Youths movements for kwara development.
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