The Osun State Government in Nigeria has awarded a major motorway widening contract, worth NGN29.3bn ($185.8m) to RATCON Construction Nigeria.
The latest project involves the dualisation of the 30km Gbongan-Akoda Omoluabi Motorway.
As a part of the government’s efforts to improve the road network across the state’s geo-political zones, the contract also includes the construction of Chief Bisi Akande Trumpet Bridge at Gbongan Junction.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport Engineer Oladepo Amuda said that RATCON Construction will finance the project on behalf of the state government under a 38-month repayment deal
The government will mobilise the contractor with 15% of the total sum, which will be paid in two parts.
Expected to be completed in a year and a half, the new dual-carriage motorway includes trumpet bridges at Gbongan Junction, four pedestrian bridges, two layers of 60mm-40mm-thick asphaltic, improved concrete side drain, street lights, culverts and ditches, landscaping, road marking, and signs and earthwork.
With an estimated lifespan of more than 30 years, this new motorway will accelerate the socioeconomic development of the Osun state.
In April 2013, the Osun State signed a NGN14.7bn ($93.2m) deal with Messrs Slava-Yeditepe Projects for the building of 18km-long Osogbo East By-pass road.
The road will mark the completion of the ring road around the state capital, Osogbo, and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Amuda said that the speed required for the early completion project will be facilitated by the 40% advance payment by the state government.