From Muhammad Gazali Garba
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being executed on the ongoing Gada Market project in Gada Local Government Area, while expressing displeasure over the slow pace of execution and directing the contractor to expedite work to ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe.
The Governor gave the directive during an inspection visit to the project site as part of his assessment tour of ongoing government projects in Gada Local Government Area.
Speaking after inspecting the project, Governor Aliyu said he was impressed with the quality of construction, describing the standard of work as commendable and in line with his administration’s commitment to delivering durable and people-oriented infrastructure.
“I am impressed with the quality of what I have seen. The standard of construction is commendable,” the Governor said.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work, describing the delay as unacceptable.
According to him, based on the briefing he received, all financial obligations expected from the State Government had already been fulfilled, stressing that there was no justification for the contractor not to intensify work on the project.
Governor Aliyu noted that the Gada Market project is a major economic initiative that will transform commercial activities in the area upon completion.
He explained that the market would boost trade and commerce, stimulate economic growth, improve internally generated revenue, and provide sustainable means of livelihood for traders and residents of Gada Local Government Area.
The Governor stressed that because of the enormous socio-economic benefits of the project, his administration would not tolerate unnecessary delays, insisting that contractors handling government projects must deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe.
He therefore directed the contractor, consultants, and the supervising department to redouble their efforts to ensure the speedy completion of the project.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality infrastructure across Sokoto State, assuring the people that all ongoing projects would continue to receive close supervision to guarantee quality, accountability, value for money, and timely delivery.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Hon. Malami Muhammad Galadanci, said the inspection visit underscored the Ahmed Aliyu administration’s commitment to ensuring that all ongoing projects are executed according to approved specifications and completed on schedule.
Galadanci disclosed that before the coming of the present administration, trading activities at the Gada Market were conducted in an open field without permanent structures or modern facilities, exposing traders and their goods to harsh weather conditions and making business activities difficult.
He explained that Governor Ahmed Aliyu approved the construction of a modern market to provide a conducive environment for traders and enhance economic activities in the area.
According to him, the market comprises four major sections, including dedicated sections for onion, garlic and grains, as well as a modern abattoir to improve livestock processing and meat hygiene.
The Special Adviser further disclosed that the contractor has so far attained between 48 and 50 per cent completion of the project. He added that the Sokoto State Government has fully settled all payments due to the contractor and is not owing him any outstanding funds.
Galadanci expressed optimism that the contractor would mobilise additional resources to the site and accelerate work to ensure the project’s completion within the stipulated timeframe, in line with Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s directive.
He added that upon completion, the market would provide modern trading facilities, promote agricultural produce marketing, strengthen commercial activities, create employment opportunities, increase the state’s internally generated revenue, and significantly improve the livelihoods of traders and residents of Gada Local Government Area.
As part of the inspection tour, Governor Ahmed Aliyu also visited the ongoing construction of the Kaffe-Tse-Tse Road and the Ila Gari–Tabanni Road projects, where he assessed the quality and pace of work and reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering durable road infrastructure that will improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activities in rural communities.
The Governor also inspected the ongoing construction and upgrading of the Gada General Hospital, where he received briefings on the progress of work.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen the healthcare sector through the provision of modern medical facilities and improved healthcare services for the people of Gada Local Government Area and Sokoto State as a whole.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Senator representing Sokoto North senatorial district, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko,Minister of State works,Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Emir of kauran Namoda,Rtd Major,Sanusi Asha, Commissioners, Special Advisers,Local government chairmen among other government functionaries.
