For the grains market, the project was approved earlier in 2024, and work is currently ongoing. The chairperson of the local government later submitted a request to expand the market by an additional 231 meters and for the construction of six toilets within the market. The initial contract, awarded at N112 million, has now been revised to N159 million due to the expansion.
Mahmood Yusuf
By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has on Thursday, approved the sum of N1.149 billion for the execution of solar street light projects and other critical infrastructure across three local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
The approval was granted during the 5th Joint Project Council (JPC) Meeting of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.
Speaking during a press briefing held after the meeting, the Director-General of the Joint Project Development Agency, Buldr. Mahmood Yusuf Ph.D, disclosed that three projects were approved and will be executed in three local governments to enhance infrastructure development in line with the vision of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
He said the three projects include the installation of solar street light across the newly constructed roads in Kumo, Akko local government; fencing of the NALDA market and provision of solar street light within the market in Kwadon area of Yamaltu/Deba; and expansion of the grains market and construction of 6 public toilets in Billiri local government.
“Today, we held the 5th Joint Project Council meeting, presided over by His Excellency, where the following projects were approved: the installation of solar street lights along the newly constructed roads in Kumo, Akko Local Government, at a cost of N740 million; the fencing of the NALDA market and the provision of solar street lights within the market in the Kwadon area of Yamaltu/Deba, costing N362 million; and the expansion of the grains market along with the construction of six public toilets in Billiri Local Government, at a cost of N47 million”, he stated.
“For the grains market, the project was approved earlier in 2024, and work is currently ongoing. The chairperson of the local government later submitted a request to expand the market by an additional 231 meters and for the construction of six toilets within the market. The initial contract, awarded at N112 million, has now been revised to N159 million due to the expansion”, the DG explained.
In his remarks, the Gombe State ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Gombe Local Government, Barr. Sani Ahmad Haruna, stated that the council has noted the increasing incidents of theft in public buildings, including schools, cemeteries, and other facilities.
He announced that the council has resolved to take strict measures to curb the menace by deploying GOSTEC and Operation Hattara for enhanced security.
He said the council has decided to expand the scope of Operation Hattara to cover all the 11 LGAs.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of Shongom Local Government, Rt. Hon. Fatima Binta Bello, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to consolidating the gains of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, particularly in education and healthcare at the local government level, especially by absorbing health workers who served under the elapsed GAVI programme.
“The council has resolved to strengthen human resources in schools and healthcare facilities. Local governments will identify and recruit qualified teachers with National Certificate in Education (NCE) to bridge gaps in schools. Additionally, we have agreed to upgrade Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in collaboration with the state government. We will also absorb contract staff engaged under GAVI programmes and recruit additional personnel to enhance service delivery”, she explained.
Also speaking during the briefing, the Chairman of Kwami Local Government, Dr. Ahmad Wali Doho, stated that the council has taken decisive steps to address the recurring farmer-herder conflicts by supporting the resurvey and remapping of grazing reserves and cattle routes, saying, ‘’It has been resolved that anyone who encroaches on cattle routes or grazing reserves must vacate the area immediately the authorities become aware.”