The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) in Zamfara State has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring ongoing school renovation projects across the state to ensure they meet required standards and are completed on schedule.
State Coordinator of the AGILE project, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau, made this known while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting projects in fifteen secondary schools and vocational centres in some local government areas.
Represented by the Deputy Coordinator, Dr. Salisu Dalhatu said the Project Implementation Unit is mandated to ensure strict adherence to quality and timely delivery of renovation work.
According to her, every contractor was issued a school improvement plan and a bill of quantities with clearly outlined specifications.
“We are closely monitoring the quality of work being done in each school. The timeline is also critical as the service providers are expected to complete their work within four weeks. We monitor to ensure quality compliance, adherence to deadlines, and community satisfaction with the work being done. It is also an opportunity to encourage parents to send their children back to school,” she stated.
Hajiya Sa’adatu Gusau further noted that, community engagement is key to the success of the project.
“If there are underlying issues that require attention, our inspections offer an avenue for interface between the project team and the local communities,”
She also emphasized that the inspections are used to strengthen the capacity of school leaders in maintaining the projects and promoting transparency and accountability in financial management.
Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau also disclosed that service providers who demonstrate outstanding performance are duly recognized.
“We conduct performance reviews and document best practices. Exceptional contractors are acknowledged during our review meetings,”
In his remarks, the Component Lead for Renovations (Component 1.2), Quantity Surveyor Nasiru Mainasara Mada, stressed that the renovation projects have a clearly defined timeline.
“Each project is expected to be completed within four weeks, yet some have dragged on for up to three or four months”
“During our inspections, we noticed progress of work and delays. For example, some contractors have yet to complete even the roofing of toilets despite receiving payment. We have issued letters instructing them to return to site and complete their work. While some have complied, others have not,”
Also speaking, the AGILE Project Communications Officer, Alhaji Bashir Kabiru Ahmad, said the projects have enjoyed widespread support from various stakeholders.
“As you know, AGILE is a World Bank-supported initiative through the Federal Ministry of Education and domiciled in the State Ministry of Education.
Alhaji Bashir Ahmad maintained that, the project has received tremendous backing not only from the communities but also from Governor Dauda Lawal, the Commissioner for Education who chairs the project’s Testimony Committee, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, and persons with disabilities among others.
Alhaji Bashir called on parents and guardians to ensure their children are enrolled in school, adding that those who have dropped out should be re-enrolled to complete their education.
“AGILE is a people centered project, and everyone has a role to play. I urge all stakeholders to visit the schools being renovated and monitor the contractors work to ensure standards are upheld,”
He reaffirmed that AGILE in Zamfara State remains committed to ensuring all projects meet the required quality and timelines.
Some of the Schools are Government Science Secondary School Gusau, Government Day Secondary School Chakal, Government Day Secondary School saminaka , Government Day Secondary School Rawayya, Government Girls Day Secondary School Rawayya and Government Day secondary School Dan Baza.
Others Mualliyedi Secondary School maradun, Bungudu women vocational center, Maradun women vocational Center, Government Day Secondary School Hegin Baza, Government Girls Day Secondary School Tsafe, Zacas staff Secondary School, Government Technical college Kaura Namoda, Continue Education School kaura Namod and government Day Secondary School kurya madaro.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
