Yobe executive council approves N9.2 B for various projects.
By Baba Saleh Damaturu
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved funds worth over 9.2 billion to finance the execution of various projects in the state.
The approval followed a meeting of the Yobe State Executive Council Wednesday at the Council Chamber of Government House Damaturu.
The State commissioner of Information, Abdullahi Bego disclosed shortly after the meeting that the council ratified a total spending of N8, 977, 080, 926.40 and approved a new spending request of N232, 799, 742.50 for various socio-economic development projects.
He stated that the total sum approved by the council therefore stands at N9, 209, 800, 668.09.
“Of this amount, N1, 261, 928, 090.00 was ratified for the construction of 12-kilometer double coat surface-dressed Damagum-Gubana road in Fune Local government area, while the sum of N1, 973, 816, 010.86 was ratified for the construction of 16-kilometer Nguru-Balanguwa Asphalt road in Nguru Local Government area”
According to him N299, 969, 086.95 was also ratified for the reconstruction of damaged sections and structures at the Nguru Irrigation Scheme Phase I in Nguru Local Government area; while N397, 496, 102.50 was ratified for the construction of 1.5-kilometer road and 3.0-kilometer concrete drain linking Mallummatari-Gujba road dual carriageway, Damaturu.
He added that other capital expenditure also ratified by the council include the sum of N329, 333, 718.57 for the supply of project vehicles, customised tricycle ambulances, customised MAMA kits and bags, HIV rapid test kits, and rehabilitation of midwife quarters at Primary Health Care Center (PHC) Ashekeri in Gaidam Local Government area and N2, 430, 063, 180.09 ratified for the construction of Gashu’a Modern Market; N2, 360, 000, 123.72 ratified for the construction of Potiskum Modern Market; and N1, 646, 290, 624.57 for the construction of link road, additional wearing course and watch tower at the Yobe International Cargo Airport Damaturu.
Meanwhile, the council also approved a request for the sum of N232, 799, 742.50 for the extension of electricity to the Yobe International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, including the rehabilitation of the 33KVA ITC Line from Damaturu to Kalallawa Town and provision of power transformers, amongst others.
In his remarks prior to the meeting, Buni commended members of the council for their individual and collective effort in moving the agenda of the administration forward.
The Governor said despite lean resources and the COVID-19 challenge, the Yobe State Government continues to record remarkable and measurable progress, such as in building new roads, markets, housing estates, hospitals and healthcare centres, construction and rehabilitation of water supply and sanitation facilities, and providing support to farmers, amongst others.