By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
–
DUTSE:- Jigawa state house of assembly has expressed dismay over the
failure of ministry of finance for ignoring government’s directive in
the release of $598,502.73 US Dollars equivalent to
N95.161,934.07million, as it set to summon the commissioner of
finance, Alhaji Nasiru Umar Roni.
Chairman standing committee on Land, Housing, Urban Development and
Regional Planning on various projects, Honourable Shehu Liman Wan
stated this at the presentation of his committee’s report to the
house, said government has approved the released the stated amount to
Hydrafom International Ltd a South Africa based company for the supply
and repairs of Hydro form block making machines including installation
and job training as stated on the company’s invoice.
It was reported that, the state government had earlier granted
approval to Jigawa State Housing Authority for the projects and after
following all the due process, ministry of finance refuse to release
the fund for the successful taking up of the project. The development
has made the Secretary to the state government to further direct the
state commissioner of finance, Nasiru Umar to hasten in the immediate
release of the fund but he ignored the directive.
Honourable Shehu explained that it is worth noting that these
machines when repaired could have a potential market value of over
N300,000 and could readily be allocated to Housing Developments in
Urban and Rural areas across the state, adding that more more
especially in the resettlement of housing programs. “It will maximized
the value of the funds invested in the procurement of these blocks
making machines.”
His words- “The policy is in line with the desire of Lamido’s
administration to provide affordable housing accommodation to its
populace, the block making machines therefore when repaired will
provide employment opportunity to the teeming youth across the state
as well as generate revenue for the government.”
Our reporter reports that during the presentation of the report some
law makers described the refusal of the finance commissioner to
release the fund as sabotage and make a decision to invite him to
appear before the house to explain why he ignored government directive
to release the fund. They added that despite available resources in
government’s coffer the commissioner has no reason what so ever not to
release the fund.
