The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to expedite action on the execution of the third phase of the Light-Up Oyo Project.
The call was contained in a report presented by the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Oladeji Oparinde during the plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the committee report before the House, Hon. Oparinde, disclosed that the oversight visit to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is in line with the directive of the House under the leadership of Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, is to assess the progress of the project, the level of completion, identify challenges and proffer way forward.
The lawmaker representing Afijio state constituency appreciated the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his commitment to providing absolute lighting on major streets across the state.
Hon. Oparinde stated that the Light-Up Oyo Project has been helpful in tackling insecurity, reducing energy poverty, and boosting the state’s economy by illuminating in Ibadan and other parts of the state.
”The project was meant to cover the entire state by illuminating major streets and key areas in Ibadan and other parts of the state. The phase l of the project was launched in 2019, at the inception of Omituntun 1.0. It covered key areas in Ibadan metropolis with total length of 17.91km, including Iwo Road to Idi-Ape, Ojoo to Barracks, Orita Challenge to New Garage Sango (Rail track area) to University of Ibadan to Ojoo, Toll gate to Inter Change to Orita challenge Koundabout and Secretariat.
”The project involved replacing outdated streetlights with modern, smart LED technology to enhance security and visibility especially at night.
”The phase ll covered selected roads across five (5) geo-political zones in the state which involved installations of streetlights at about 255.96km in areas such as Ojongbodu and Owode-Afun in Oyo town, Bodija, Secretariat, Ibadan, reconstruction of under G stadium in LAUTECH 2nd gate area, Ogbomoso, Gate-Beere roundabout, Ibadan and Agodi-Gate-Total Gardens (Details are attached hereto),” the lawmaker said.
He disclosed that phase III of the project is expected to cover major markets, palaces, hospitals, and public places.
”The phase III of the projects will cover some of the key areas including Bola Ige International Market, Adeoyo Hospital, Bodija Market, Olu of Igboora Palace, Eleruwa Palace (Details are contained in the attachment).”
Hon. Oparinde, in the report called for the audit on the distribution of transformers to communities in the 33 local government areas within the state.
While calling for urgent action in the execution of the third phase, he applead for good and proper maintenance of the already installed streetlights under phases I and II for durability and sustainability.
