The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), chaired by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved a number of major infrastructure and development projects, including a N56 billion Agro-Livestock Development Zone.
The approvals were announced on Friday during a press briefing coordinated by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mijinyawa Tilde, shortly after the Council’s 52nd meeting.
Tilde said, “The Council approved several memos presented by ministries and agencies covering infrastructure, water supply, energy and security enhancement, all aimed at accelerating development and improving service delivery across the state.”
Speaking on projects under his ministry, the Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Fawu, disclosed that the Council approved the rehabilitation, upgrade and reconstruction of the Malam Inna water supply schemes and associated works in Gombe.
“The project will also extend water supply to the livestock development zone and surrounding communities,” Fawu said.
He stated that the contract was awarded to Jidadu Ventures Limited at the sum of N24,269,032,608 with a completion period of 18 months.
Fawu further revealed that Council approved N7,070,941,493 for the upgrade of equipment and provision of a dedicated power line at both Dadin Kowa and Tabra booster stations.
“This aspect of the project will be executed by Ceylon Construction Services Limited within 18 months,” he said.
In addition, he said N23,331,309,907 was approved for Off-Grid Electric Ltd for the construction of solar power plants at the Dadin Kowa Water Treatment Plant and Tabra Booster Station.
According to him, “When completed, these projects will address the energy challenges affecting water supply and significantly improve access to potable water across Gombe.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr Barnabas Malle, disclosed that Council approved the construction and development of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone at the cost of N56 billion.
“The approval covers the construction of key facilities and the perimeter fencing of the entire 184-hectare site,” Malle said.
He explained that the zone would host critical infrastructure to boost agribusiness and livestock value chains in the state.
“The Agro-Livestock Development Zone will feature an ultramodern abattoir, a state-of-the-art international livestock market, an international grains and feed market, an inland dry port, and a tannery and leather processing factory, among other strategic facilities,” he added.
