From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Yobe State Executive Council, at its meeting on Monday, ratified a total sum of N59.8 billion for the execution of various projects and services across the state.
The meeting was chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioner for the Yobe State Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Information, Abdullahi Bego, said the council considered and approved projects in the areas of road construction, healthcare delivery, transport and energy, commerce, and sports development.
He added that all the memoranda relate to projects and services designed to improve the living conditions of the people of the state.
“Of the total amount, N34 billion was allocated to the roads sector. This includes the construction of the 59-kilometre Kaliyari–Bayamari road in Tarmuwa and Bursari, as well as the 53-kilometre Bayamari–Gaidam road in Bursari and Gaidam Local Government Areas,” he said.
The council also ratified N8.5 billion for the construction of the Jaji-Maji Modern Market in Karasuwa LGA, as well as external works and facilities at the Machina and Buni-Yadi modern markets.
Hon. Bego further disclosed that N5.2 billion was approved for the procurement of new 800kVA and 350kVA power generators, including the laying of underground cables and installation of switchgear at the Government House in Damaturu.
He added that the projects also include the procurement and installation of 2,200 units of integrated 100-watt all-in-one solar-powered streetlights across 11 local government headquarters, including Bara, Dapchi, Yunusari, Fika, Nangere, Jakusko, Jaji-Maji, Machina, and Yusufari.
Other projects include the construction of a 33kV power line from Bukarti to Kanamma towns, procurement of two transformer substations and a distribution network in Kanamma, as well as the provision of new generators in some hospitals across the state.
“These include the Specialist Hospital (800kVA), Yobe State Women and Children’s Hospital (350kVA), and the Yobe State Teaching Hospital (350kVA) in Damaturu.” He added.
The commissioner also stated that N3.3 billion was approved for additional works on the ongoing reconstruction and upgrade of the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu.
Bego further noted that N5.5 billion was allocated for the construction of a new office complex for the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Hospital Management Board headquarters, as well as the renovation and rehabilitation of General Hospitals in Damagum and Nangere, and the supply and installation of dental equipment at the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.
