Akesan Market Electrification: Arowosaye Sets Records Straight

The Chairman, Oyo East Local Government Area, Hon. Shared Arowosaye has said his administration undertook electrification of the Akesan market in line with the stipulated terms in the contract.

Speaking with pictorial evidences, Arowosaye said the local government authority installed a central bulk metre in Akesan market.

Reacting to statement made by a member representing Oyo East and West state constituency in the House of Assembly, Honourable Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman, last weekend, Arowosaye said his accusations that the electrification aspect of the Akesan Market reconstruction contract was not fully executed is entirely unfounded.

He said the decision to install the central bulk metre was explained in detail during a meeting with the Iyaloja of Akesan Alhaja Adepeju Bakare and the market traders.

According to him, “It was clearly communicated that electricity bills would be collectively paid by the traders on a monthly basis, as provision of individual meters for each shop was not within the remit of the contract.”

“Iyaloja on her part was of the view that monthly collection of electricity bill will be cumbersome as some traders might not be regular in meeting up with this responsibility.”

“We, however, told them that if they cannot collectively pay for the electricity costs that the only option left for them is to request for personal metres from Ibadan electricity distribution company (IBEDC) for connection to their shops as such is outside the scope of the contract.”

“Regarding the issue of running water, it is misleading to claim that the market lacks water facilities.”

“The market have a fully operational water supply for the toilets with a generator set until recently, when a fault occurred in the electrical connection powering the water supply system. This issue was promptly reported by the consultant, and efforts are underway to resolve it.”

He urged Olorunpoto, who Chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts, to execute a thorough investigation before a premature conclusion.

“I, therefore, advise the Honourable member Olorunpoto Rahman Cephas to properly consult public records before making such statements on issue of public interest.”

“Oyo East Local Government Area under my leadership remain committed to the well-being and prosperity of all our traders and people. Our doors are open to anyone seeking information regarding the Akesan market reconstruction contract. We remain committed to principles of accountability and transparency in public matters”, he added.

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