By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government is spending N1.079 billion on the renovation of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp located in Wamakko.
It will be the first major renovation of the camp in over a decade.
The camp, which was established by the former Governor of Sokoto State, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has not received any major upgrade since its establishment.
Speaking during an assessment visit to the camp, Arch. Murtala Halliru, Project Coordinator, State Ministry of Works, told newsmen on Tuesday in Wamakko that the contractor was mobilized about one month ago and work has now reached an advanced stage.
According to him, the scope of work includes the renovation of hostels, kitchen and dining hall, clinic, administrative block, and staff quarters, and the construction of a new pavilion as well as the upgrading of the main auditorium to contain up to 3,000 people.
“The duration of the project is six months. We have spent like one month now, so we have five months to go,” Halliru told the journalists, adding that from the ministry’s assessment, about 80 per cent of the work scheduled for this period has been completed.
“So far, we went around together. You can see how the work is going on. The contractor is still on site, working tirelessly day and night to achieve the target.
“From our assessment, about 80 per cent of the work to be carried out has been done,” he said.
On quality, the Project Coordinator assured that the ministry is providing strict supervision to ensure standard.
“Yes, we are satisfied. The contractor is not cutting corners. That’s why we are here day and night to ensure that the work is being done according to the contractual specifications.”
Also speaking, the representative of the contracting firm, Engr. Kasimu Bello, commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for reposing tremendous confidence in them and vowed to complete the project before the stipulated six-month period.
According to Engr. Bello, the firm will execute quality jobs as contained in the contractual agreement.
“As you can visibly see, we have since fully mobilized to the site and the work has so far reached almost over 80 per cent completion stage.
“We will sustain this happy tempo to ensure that the work is completed with the desired quality and minimal time.
“Upon completion of this invaluable project, no any NYSC Orientation Camp across Nigeria will match the quality of this camp,” he said.
Corps members and camp officials expressed appreciation to the state government, saying the renovation will greatly improve welfare and accommodation during orientation exercises.
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