The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved major infrastructural projects, including the renovation of nine general hospitals, continuation of strategic road works, establishment of a livestock services centre, and the termination of abandoned market renovation contracts.
The approvals were announced on Wednesday after the Council’s meeting, where key commissioners briefed journalists on the resolutions.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Wurno, said contracts for the rehabilitation of nine hospitals across the state have been awarded at a combined cost of several billion naira. The projects, he noted, must be executed within six months, with strict enforcement of timelines and penalties for violations.
The hospitals approved for renovation include, “General Hospital Silame at ₦308,784,927.57, General Hospital Wamakko at ₦292,946,090.93, General Hospital Binji at ₦297,554,496.00 and General Hospital Kware at ₦350,409,850.94.
“General Hospital Gwadabawa ₦267,726,653.75, General Hospital Goronyo at ₦331,216,583.75, General Hospital Gada ₦313,367,123.00 and General Hospital Illela at ₦590,205,644.63”
Dr. Wurno explained that the Illela project has the highest contract sum as it covers three components — renovation, reconstruction of a fire-damaged ward, and completion of an abandoned structure.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barr. Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, disclosed that the Council approved the continuation of the Tesha–Illela to Mure road project. Inherited from the previous administration, the road will now be completed at an additional cost of ₦2,408,650,375.00, with the original contractor retained to ensure timely delivery.
Also approved was the establishment of a Livestock Services Centre at Huchi, Wamakko Local Government Area. Covering over 300 hectares, the centre will provide veterinary services, training in animal husbandry, and youth empowerment. The project, valued at ₦394,775,325.00, is expected to be completed within four months.
On market projects, the Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Nasiru Muhammad Binji, presented the findings of a committee set up to review contracts awarded for the renovation of the burnt section of the Sokoto Central Market.
He recalled that 36 firms were awarded contracts after the 2021 fire disaster, with each receiving 30% mobilization fees. However, the majority abandoned the sites, failing to meet the 10-month deadline.
“Less than six contractors are genuinely owed, while over 30 firms remain indebted to the government for funds not justified by work done,” Barr. Binji stated.
The Council therefore directed the Sokoto Investment Company to pay the few eligible contractors, recover funds from defaulters, and prosecute firms that fail to refund. The abandoned contracts will be re-awarded to credible companies for immediate completion.
The commissioners stressed that all decisions were taken in the best interest of the people of Sokoto. “We will not accept contract violations, delays, or negligence. Every project must be delivered within the stipulated timeframe,” they warned.
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