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Kwara Concerned Group Demands Dismantling Of Tanke Flyover Bridge Over Unfulfilled Promises, Quality Concerns
Allegations of clandestine cost escalations and the engagement and termination of multiple contractors have further fueled suspicions
Ilorin, Kwara State– The Kwara Concerned Group has called on the Kwara State Government to dismantle the Tanke flyover bridge, which was named after General Tunde Idiagbon.
Despite nearly three years since the project’s inception and its completion over a year ago, the bridge has yet to be commissioned for public use.
The group has expressed concerns over the prolonged delay and the lack of transparency surrounding the project.
They argue that the inaction of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration raises serious questions about the quality of the bridge’s construction and the adherence to proper processes and standards.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday in front of the bridge, the convener of the Kwara Concerned Group, Pastor Buoye Olusegun David, disclosed that the initial 12-month completion period for the project has been extended multiple times without cogent reasons, raising concerns about the management and oversight of this critical development.
David noted that the Tanke Flyover project, named after one of Kwara’s most prominent heroes, was initiated on November 3, 2021, following a cabinet resolution addressed to the public by Hajia Sa’adat Modibbo Kawu, who was then the Commissioner for Tertiary Education.
He said the project had the noble objective of easing traffic congestion and enhancing transportation infrastructure in Ilorin, particularly in the Tanke Tipper Garage area, which leads to the University of Ilorin.
According to him, “Despite mixed reactions from the public, with many urging the government to reconsider the decision to construct the flyover, some believe that expanding the existing road would better serve the area and resolve the traffic challenges rather than constructing a flyover.”
“Some residents have also appealed to the state government to prioritize fixing and opening up alternative routes in the area. However, the contract for constructing the flyover was awarded to a lesser-known local company, JMK Construction Company Limited, for the substantial sum of N2,272,899,200.00, with a 12-month completion timeline.”
He said, “Despite the substantial financial allocation to the project, the projected completion dates have been repeatedly deferred, with assurances from both the immediate past and current Commissioners for Works, Engr. Rotimi Iliasu and Hon. Abdulqowiy Olododo, failing to materialize.
“Moreover, reports and firsthand observations from concerned citizens and stakeholders have raised troubling concerns about the quality and safety of the flyover.
“Alarming accounts of substandard workmanship have surfaced online, and there are growing apprehensions regarding the integrity of the structure once it is eventually opened to the public.
He noted that these concerns have been blatantly disregarded by the government, which has responded with a series of propaganda and statements through the state’s media outlets.
The group added that the lack of transparency and adherence to due process in the awarding and execution of the project has caused significant concern among the public, including members of their group.
“Allegations of clandestine cost escalations and the engagement and termination of multiple contractors have further fueled suspicions about the management of public funds allocated for this project.
“The Kwara Concerned Group finds this situation completely unacceptable, and we urge the Kwara State Government to address these concerns conscientiously and with the utmost urgency.”
“However, if genuine safety concerns delay the unveiling of the flyover, the government should prioritize the well-being of its citizens and consider the possibility of dismantling the structure if necessary,” he said.
“We are also calling for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the entire process, including the allocation and execution of the Tanke Flyover project, while demanding, on behalf of the citizens and residents of the state, a detailed breakdown of the funds spent so far,” it said.
According to David, the citizens of Kwara State have the right to trust the integrity and quality of public infrastructure projects, and the Tanke Flyover is no exception.
“We urge the government to prioritize the welfare and safety of its citizens above all else and to swiftly address the issues surrounding the Tanke Flyover, ideally, opening it for public use without further delay.”
He added that the people of Kwara are paying close attention and rightfully expect full accountability and transparency on the matter.
