The Gombe State Government, in partnership with some Local Government Areas, has approved over ₦2 billion for solar street lights and other key rural development projects.
Mr Mahmood Yusuf, Director-General of Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, disclosed this on Tuesday after the State’s Joint Project Council meeting in Gombe.
Yusuf stated that additional works at the National Agricultural Land Development Agency, Yamaltu Deba LGA, have been approved to support the agricultural sector in the area.
He added that the ongoing Kaltoma market project in Billiri would now be upgraded to a one-storey building at a revised cost of N213 million.
He added that solar street lighting would be installed along newly constructed roads in Tumfure, Akko LGA, for N1.143 billion.
Yusuf noted that the projects would enhance security, promote economic activities, and strengthen agriculture across the state.
Dr Ahmed Wali, Kwami LGA Chairman, spoke on the verification exercise conducted across the 11 Local Government Councils in the state.
Wali, who chaired the Verification Committee, stated that the exercise saved N67 million in April alone, due to several discrepancies uncovered.
He revealed that 686 workers failed to appear before the committee, resulting in a savings of N31 million from unpaid salaries.
Wali stated that an additional N36 million was saved after 265 deceased or retired staff members were found to still be on the payroll.
He emphasised that the exercise was ongoing and aimed at boosting productivity while eliminating ghost workers, rather than sacking genuine staff.
