Writing By Mustapha Bello; Editing By Godwin Duru
Sokoto State Executive Council has approved several significant projects aimed at improving healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and contract management in the state.
The approvals were announced during a press briefing at the council chamber in which some commissioners provided details of the resolutions.
Nine general hospitals across Sokoto are set for renovation with contracts awarded worth billions of naira.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Wurno, highlighted the breakdown of costs for each hospital.
He explained that General Hospital Silame will be renovated at the cost ₦308,784,927.57, General Hospital Wamakko at ₦292,946,090.93, General Hospital Kware at ₦350,409,850 .94, General Hospital Goronyo ₦331,216,583.75, General Hospital Binji at ₦297,554,496, General Hospital Gada at ₦313,367,123, General Hospital Wurno and General Hospital Illela at ₦590,205,644.63 – the latter having a higher budget due to additional components in its renovation.
According to him, the state government aims to improve healthcare services through these renovations.
The projects are part of the state’s efforts to boost infrastructure and services.
He added that the demarcation of a 300-hectare Livestock Services Centre in Huchi, Wamakko, to offer veterinary services and training for young people in animal husbandry has been approved by the council.
He said the project was awarded at the cost of ₦394,775,325 and is expected to be delivered within four months.
Following an investigation into abandoned contracts at the Sokoto Central Market post a 2021 fire, the council terminated contracts with 36 companies that were awarded the renovation.
The State Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nasiru Muhammad Binji, reported that less than six contractors are owed money while over 30 firms are indebted to the government.
The council therefore directed the Sokoto Investment Company to pay owed contractors, recover funds from defaulting contractors, and initiate criminal proceedings against those who fail to refund.
According to the Commissioner, new contracts will be awarded to credible contractors for the timely completion of the market renovation project.
The Executive Council stressed that projects must adhere to timelines, emphasizing zero tolerance for delays or breaches.
PR/MUSTAPHA BELLO
