…Constructs Cattle, Grain Markets, Motor Park in Dukku through Joint Project Development Agency

By Adamu Abubakar Kumo, Gombe

The Gombe State Government is undertaking multi-billion Naira development projects at the local government level through the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency JPDA to bridge the infrastructure gap and drive development at the grassroots.

Dr. Mahmood Yusuf, Fniob, the Director-General of JPDA, announced this while providing insights into the various projects undertaken by the agency.

The DG explained that to respect the autonomy of LGAs, participation in joint projects is completely voluntary. Whenever something arises, the LGAs forward their requests; the council deliberates, and decides how the state government can intervene and assist.

“We have ongoing projects in each of the 11 LGAs of Gombe State, with the specific projects varying based on the needs and financial capacities of each LGA”, he noted.

The Agency is currently reconstructing the 48-year-old Akko LGA Secretariat, which is now 90% complete. “We have modernized the secretariat, expanded and increased the number of offices, and replaced the timber roof with a metal one. The main building work, including POP and terazzo, has been completed. Now, only tiling, painting, and other finishing touches remain,” he said.

The same progress is evident in Yamaltu Deba, where the construction of the Emir’s Palace is 90% complete. Dr Mahmoud announced, adding that the, with only paintings and other finishing touches, the project will soon be completed.

The DG further revealed that over 3,000 solar street lights have been installed five LGA to include; Kwami, Dukku, Yamaltu Deba, Funakaye, and Nafada LGAs.

“These lights illuminate not only the major towns but also smaller villages, such as Gadam Bojude, Malam Sidi, Daban Fulani, Jurara, and Malleri”, he stated.

The Agency is also constructing palaces and residents for District Heads in various LGAs. In Kwami, two-bedroom flats with parlors, toilets, and kitchens are being built for District Heads, while a three-bedroom flat is being constructed for the Senior District Head of Malam Sidi.

Additionally, the palaces of existing District Heads, including their attached worship places, are also undergoing renovation and are approximately 85% complete. A similar project to build houses for District Heads is underway in Funakaye, with construction currently at 35% completion.

In Kaltungo LGA, JPDS is undertaking two projects: the renovation of the LG secretariat, which is 70% complete, and the construction of a new market.

“In Shongom, the secretariat was destroyed by fire seven years ago. Initially planned for renovation, the project was upgraded to a full reconstruction upon the Governor’s directive”, Dr Mahmoud remarked.

Following crisis in Billiri that resulted in the burning of the Kantoma market, the Governor approved its reconstruction and the fencing of the grain market through the JPDA.

In Amtawalam of Billiri LGA, the Governor fulfilled his campaign promise by approving the construction of a police outpost. more so, the Sansani-Gada uku Bridge, which was damaged by floods, has also been fully repaired, reconnecting the community with other parts of Billiri and Akko LGAs.

In Dukku, due to traffic congestion, especially on market days, the Governor approved the construction of cattle and grain markets, as well as a motor park. These projects are currently ongoing.

Additionally, an integrity test revealed structural issues with the Nafada LGA Secretariat, leading to its demolition and the construction of a new story building in place.

In Dukku LGA, to address traffic congestion caused by traders, especially on market days, the Governor approved, through JPDA the construction of cattle and grain markets, as well as a motor park. These projects are currently ongoing.

In Balanga LGA, the most pressing issue is the lack of electricity, with many communities, including the headquarters, not connected to the national grid. The agency will continue to address this issue through various interventions.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s construction of the historic road linking the eastern and western parts of the LGA has significantly reduced travel time.

The DG said the agency’s projects are driven by the needs and requests of the LGAs, citing example with the Idi Shopping Complex in Gombe LGA, which is now 70% complete, which he said was a project initiated by the LGA and approved by the JPDA Council.

He further clarified that the contribution ratio for joint projects varies depending on the financial capacity of each LGA. The state government and the LGAs often share the costs in a 50:50 or 60:40 or other ratios that may be approved by the council.

The DG commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa for granting autonomy to the Local Government councils.

“To my knowledge, the LGAs in Gombe State have been enjoying autonomy. Nobody is pressuring or compelling the LGAs to play their bid. When they bring forward their requests and the JPDA council approves them, they sit at the LGA level, deliberate, and approve the release of funds from the LGA purse to jointly fund the projects. So, they are given full financial autonomy to decide and act on issues relating to their LGAs”, the DG explained.

It is good to note that the execution of projects under this agency does not stop the state government from executing other developmental projects in the local governments.

For instance, in Akko, where the JPDA is constructing palaces for the Emir of Gona and rehabilitating the Secretariat, the state government has also completely reconstructed and equipped the Kumo General Hospital, making it one of the best health facilities in the state and beyond.

Additionally, the government is constructing road networks in Tumfure and implementing a water project to address long-standing water challenges in the area as part of the Gombe Regional Water Expansion Project.

In the same LGA, His Excellency has built a brand new College of Nursing and Midwifery and is currently undertaking the construction of 8 township roads in Kumo, among other development projects.

Dr. Mahmood Yusuf expressed optimism that with the current pace of development under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya justified by ongoing reforms at the local government level, Gombe State will solidify its position as a leader in infrastructure and capital development.