The Oyo State Government says it will soon resolve the technical and sundry difficulties hindering the Light-Up Oyo Project from running optimally.
Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, the
Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday in Ibadan.
Olatubosun said in the spirit of accountability and transparency, the authorities would like to put on record that there was a dispute between the state government and the contractor on how much work had been done and how the infrastructure was being operated.
According to him, the government is not satisfied with the infrastructure provided and its specifications. These have been the main cause of the operation and maintenance challenges the project is facing.
“Therefore, Oyo State Government is presently auditing the entire infrastructure to determine the level and quality of work done.
“The audit process will be completed in about six weeks, after which the general public will be updated regarding any decision reached and the way forward for the project.
“You will recall that in September 2019, Oyo State Government embarked on the Light-Up Oyo Project.
“The logic behind this project was two-fold. First, to grow the Oyo State economy. As Gov. Seyi Makinde stated, Oyo State cannot compete with cities that run a 24-hour economy, if economic activities are shut down by 7.00 p.m.
“Second, to tackle insecurity. Crime thrives in darkness and so, when major parts of towns and cities are lit up, criminals will not have anywhere to hide,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government was doing all within its power to ensure that the entire 240 kilometers of the Light-Up Oyo project was delivered in the shortest possible time for their benefit.
Olatubosun said this was to ensure that the good people of the state get maximum value for the money spent on the project.
