By The Gombe State Government, along with several local councils, has approved over N2 billion for new solar streetlights and important rural projects, to improve infrastructure, farming, and the economy across the state.
Mahmood Yusuf, who heads the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, shared this news on Tuesday after a meeting in Gombe. He explained that part of the money will go into additional work at the National Agricultural Land Development Agency in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area to help the agricultural sector.
The Kaltoma market project in Billiri will also get an upgrade to a two-story building, with a new cost of N213 million. In Nafada, six communities are set to receive solar streetlights, a project valued at N681.4 million. Additionally, new roads in Tumfure, Akko Local Government Area, will have solar streetlights installed at a cost of N1.143 billion. Yusuf stated that the projects will make communities safer, boost local businesses, and strengthen farming.
Dr. Ahmed Wali, Chairman of Kwami Local Government Area and head of the verification committee, reported that N31 million was saved because 686 workers did not show up for verification. Another N36 million was saved by removing 265 deceased or retired staff who were still on the payroll. Wali noted that this exercise is ongoing, focused on improving productivity and removing “ghost workers,” not on sacking genuine staff.
It’s worth remembering that in March, the Gombe government approved N1.15 billion for solar streetlights and infrastructure in three other local government areas. More recently, N19.97 billion was approved for various projects, including industrial growth, water supply, and education. The state also set aside N2.14 billion for compensating residents affected by the ACRESaL erosion control project. To ensure steady water supply, N2.1 billion was approved for the upkeep of the Gombe Regional Water Project. These efforts are expected to improve infrastructure, drive economic growth, and bring long-term benefits to the state.
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