The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the status of the Kajola Multi-Purpose Dam Project in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to determine the total amount of funds released to the contractors since its award in 2004 and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled ?Need to complete the construction of multi-purpose dam project in Kajola Village, Ile-Ife, Osun State,? sponsored by Hon. Ajilesoro Taofeek Abimbola.

The House further mandated the Committee on Water Resources to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to make adequate budgetary provisions for the completion of the abandoned project in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

According to Hon. Ajilesoro, the contract for the construction of the Kajola Multi-Purpose Dam was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nigeria Limited on December 21, 2004, at a cost of N2.24 billion, with an expected completion period of 24 months.

However, work was abandoned after only 40 percent completion due to paucity of funds.

He recalled that in December 2011, the contract sum was revised to N10.87 billion following an augmentation approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), with an additional completion period of 24 months (January 2020?December 2021).

Ajilesoro further noted that in December 2022, the Revised Estimated Total Cost (RETC) of the project rose to N22.58 billion, yet the project remains incomplete, leaving residents disillusioned and communities deprived of expected benefits.

He lamented that the prolonged abandonment of the dam has become a major source of concern, especially as the project was designed to supply bulk domestic water to residents across 11 local government areas in Osun State and parts of neighbouring Ondo State.

The lawmaker emphasised that the completion of the multipurpose dam would significantly contribute to hydropower generation, flood control, irrigation development, fisheries, and job creation, all of which would improve livelihoods and drive economic growth in the region.

Following the debate, the House unanimously adopted the motion, resolving to hold the contractors and supervising ministry accountable for project delays while ensuring that adequate funding is secured for the early completion of the Kajola Dam Project. (The Nation)

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