By Rakiya A.Muhammad
The Sokoto State government has approved measures in various areas to address the housing shortfall, increase food production, enhance public safety, and safeguard key assets.
The State Executive Council announced its approval after the 4th SEC meeting, presided over by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Briefing journalists, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, the state’s commissioner for information, said the projects included the acquisition of housing units, part of the state’s broader plan to address the housing deficit and accommodate its rapidly growing urban population.
According to him, the sum of N44.7 billion would cover the acquisition of 500 housing units initially built by the Federal government.
The state government planned the project for the proposed Sokoto City.
Also Speaking, Alhaji Tukur Alkali, Commissioner for Agriculture, shed light on the council’s approval for the purchase of 250 tractors and related implements, valued at ₩22.1 billion.
He said the project will be funded jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture (40%) and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (60%).
He assured that the tractors would be made available to farmers at heavily subsidised rates to enhance agricultural productivity and improve rural livelihoods.
“It is a critical intervention to increase food production and mechanise farming at the grassroots,” he added.
Public safety and vital asset protection were additional goals of the infrastructure projects authorised by the government, totalling over $2 billion.
The projects include the construction of a pedestrian bridge for pupils of Yakubu Muazu Model Primary School along Birnin Kebbi Road, as well as the erection of perimeter fencing around four major water treatment plants in the Gagi, Mana, Asare, Old Airport, and Tamaje communities.
