The Ekiti State Public Works Corporation is pushing forward with an ambitious plan to upgrade its fleet, as the state government prepares to allocate funds for essential new equipment in the upcoming 2025 budget.
The Director General, Engr. Adewale Fagoyinbo detailed the strategy during a recent discussion with BAO Media Centre, stating the urgent need for upgraded machinery to meet Ekiti’s infrastructure goals.
“When I came into office, I met a corporation that had almost been written off,” Engr. Fagoyinbo recalled.
“Many of our critical machines had been idle for over a decade, some for even longer. But the Governor’s swift support allowed us to get these machines back in operation.”
This immediate action resulted in the repair of 15 key machines in just a month, including bulldozers, graders, rollers, and asphalt paving equipment, machines vital for addressing immediate infrastructure needs.
However, Fagoyinbo highlighted the limitations of relying on obsolete, frequently maintained equipment.
“Our immediate priority was to get these neglected machines back up and running,” he noted. “But to fully meet Ekiti’s needs, we need more advanced and reliable equipment.”
To secure these resources, Engr. Fagoyinbo confirmed that his team has included a request for new machinery in the 2025 budget proposal. This budget includes three specific categories of equipment, carefully planned to cover both new and foreign-used options. “Brand-new machines are quite costly due to the exchange rate, so if we can’t secure new ones, we’re considering foreign-used models.
These come in two options: one with full refurbishment and another with a new engine, gearbox, and chassis, designed to last over a decade,” he explained.
Reflecting on his previous experience at the Ministry of Works under Otunba Adebayo’s administration, he shared his strategy: “When I was Director of Mechanical, we procured equipment like the D9 Caterpillar bulldozer, which only Ekiti State had throughout the western region. That bulldozer and other equipment we purchased back then are still in use today, nearly 25 years later.”
Engr. Fagoyinbo is optimistic about the approval of the 2025 budget, as he believes the investment will offer long-term solutions for Ekiti’s infrastructure needs.
“I intend to discuss these plans with Mr. Governor, so that, come January, if approved, we can proceed to procure the equipment necessary to meet Ekiti’s infrastructure goals.”
This comprehensive approach aligns with the proactive leadership of Governor Oyebanji, whom Fagoyinbo commends as “a committed leader who is always eager to ensure Ekiti is equipped to succeed.”
Once in place, these new machines will strengthen the Public Works Corporation’s ability to handle extensive projects across Ekiti State.
With this strategic acquisition in motion, Engr. Fagoyinbo and his team are focused on reinforcing Ekiti’s infrastructure, ensuring the state remains on the path of sustainable development.
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