At least five major contracts including that of a General Hospital in Wamakko town, awarded by the former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko were revoked by the Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s led government.
Also revoked weresf four others located at the Murtala Muhammed Hospital as follows: two additional blocks of wards, landscaping of the hospital, construction of 47 staff quarters and that of the completion of a special work at the hospital which comprises a theatre, mortuary, laundry and others.
However, Tambuwal approved three projects for execution amounting to N4 billion. The new projects comprise of two health facilities and one for education.
According to the state government, the General Hospital project was abandoned in 2013.
Those approved for execution include : Premier Hospital, Binji, 608-bed capacity students hostels at Sultan Abdur-Rahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa and a similar two-storey hostel complex at Shehu Shagari College of Education (SSCOE).
The developments followed the weekly State Executive Council meeting chaired by Tambuwal.
The state Commissioners for Health, Dr Ali Inname and Higher Education, Professor Bashir Garba at a briefing in Government House, Sokoto explained that over N2.7 billion was approved for the construction of the Premier Hospital at Binji Local Government Area, scheduled to be completed within 17 months.
According to the Commissioner, similar projects were underway in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni Local Governments respectively.
Also, Professor Garba said the SSCOE contract will gulp over N524 million while that of Sultan Abdul Rahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa is at over N523 million with a completion period of 9 months respectively.
He explained that each of the hostels’ floors at SSCOE and Gwadabawa, will have 24 toilet facilities, kitchens and laundry.
“There will also be provision for a solar lightening system borehole with overhead tanks among others adjourning modern facilities”, he stated.
Meanwhile, giving reasons for the cancellation of the Murtala Muhammad Hospital contracts, Dr Inname said it was because the jobs were abandoned by the contractors while assuring that due process will be followed in re-awarding the contracts to more competent and dedicated contractors.
Hitherto, the Commissioner said a new firm had been awarded the contract for Wamakko General Hospital.