By Rabiu Sanusi
The Honourable Commissioner of the Kano State Ministry for Public Procurement Projects Monitoring and Evaluation (MPPPME), Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila, has led an extensive project inspection tour covering 28 ongoing and completed projects across Takai and Sumaila Local Government Areas, with a combined contract value of N8,979,494,367.82.
This was containing in statement signed by the ministry information officer Sagir Ado Abubukar which made available to Journalists.
A major highlight of the inspection was the erosion control project at Kofar Yamma Special Primary School, Rimi Town in Sumaila Local Government Area, where residents expressed growing concern over the emerging environmental challenges associated with the project.
Community members informed the inspection team that although the intervention was initiated to address erosion, the newly created drainage channels have altered the natural water flow, raising fears that nearby residential communities could become more vulnerable to flooding and environmental degradation than before the intervention.
Responding to the concerns, Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila assured residents that the Ministry would immediately draw the attention of the client ministry, the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, to the observations made during the inspection for appropriate technical assessment and necessary corrective measures.
He stressed that erosion control projects are designed to mitigate flooding, control soil erosion, and protect lives, farmlands, public infrastructure, and residential communities from environmental hazards. According to him, every government project must achieve its intended objectives and deliver lasting benefits to the people.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of strict adherence to engineering specifications, noting that effective erosion control infrastructure plays a critical role in safeguarding lives and property while improving the resilience of communities, particularly during the rainy season.
The inspection team also assessed the reconstructed multi-cell box culvert along the Takai–Fajewa–Ka Yarda–Birnin Bako Road, where reconstruction works have been successfully completed following the collapse of the previous structure.
The completed culvert is expected to restore an important transport corridor connecting several rural communities, facilitate the movement of commuters and agricultural produce, improve access to markets and essential services, and stimulate socio-economic activities within Takai Local Government Area and adjoining communities.
Speaking during the inspection, Comrade Ma’aji Sumaila reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, quality assurance, and value for money in the execution of public projects across Kano State.
He explained that the Ministry would continue to undertake routine monitoring and evaluation exercises to ensure full compliance with contract specifications, timely completion of projects, and the delivery of durable infrastructure that reflects the vision of the administration of Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The Commissioner further urged contractors handling government projects to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and workmanship, strictly adhere to approved timelines, comply with engineering specifications, and prioritize safety throughout project execution.
Other projects inspected during the tour included the construction of 5-kilometre roads, Neighborhood Security Watch Divisions, classroom blocks, perimeter fencing at Durbundai Special Primary School, earth dam projects, and several other infrastructure developments spread across Takai and Sumaila Local Government Areas.
Residents, traditional leaders, and other community stakeholders who interacted with the inspection team expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government for its sustained investment in infrastructure development.
They also commended the Ministry’s monitoring initiative, describing it as a vital mechanism for ensuring quality service delivery, protecting public resources, and guaranteeing that projects are executed in accordance with approved standards.