Sokoto government allocates N10 billion to renovate 244 primary health facilities

As part of measures to improve the health sector, especially with regard to the less privileged in the state, the Sokoto State Government has earmarked about ten billion naira for the renovation, renovation and to equip 244 primary health centers in the State.

Bashir Ahmad Abubakar, a budget analyst in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development, said this on Thursday at the quarterly coordination meeting of CSOs in Sokoto in the state.

He said the state government was ready to renovate and renovate 244 primary health centers spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Bashir further explained that the state government is working to repair all ambulances spread across all primary health centers in the state to facilitate healthcare delivery.

“The government is also acquiring a Toyota Hilux, which will be used in monitoring and supervision activities in primary health centers.

“The renovation will cost over six billion naira, which includes the full installation of solar lighting in all primary health centers.

“This was part of the supplemental budget prepared by the governor for further transmission to the state legislature.”

Also speaking, Comrade Bala Abubakar, Chairman, Ward Development Committee, Sokoto South Local Government Area, also described the exercise as not only necessary but also contributing immensely to development at the grassroots.

He said the committee, in partnership with USAID State2State, advocated and ensured that the state government approved and executed some of the products identified by the community for execution.

“We are very grateful to State2State as well as the State Legislature for ensuring that some of the projects identified and submitted by the affected communities received the attention of the State Government.

“Some projects are either in the state of completion or fifty percent, while the remaining few projects are already identified for execution in the budget.”

Chairman of the Sokoto State NGO Coalition, Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, commends USAID State2State for its support to the organization, which he says has led to the successes recorded so far.

He said the five local governments, including Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Tambuwal, Gwadabawa and Wamakko, were identified as pioneer local governments for the community development picture.

“We have identified certain communities within local governments to discuss with the residents of those communities and identify what their needs are from the government.

“Depending on their needs, we will make a proposal to the government which will be inserted in the budget for its implementation.”

The president, however, welcomes the involvement of State2State for its support so far while ensuring that the coalition will continue to maintain and sustain the service even after USAID State2State leaves the state.

Earlier in his speech, State2State Local Government Officer in Sokoto, Abdullahi Shagari, commended CSOs for their contribution and manner of running the state's business.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to review the activities of the government and give feedback to the societies on some of the activities of the government in terms of implementation of the identified projects.

He said USAID State2State would support CSOs in the state in activating the community development committee project monitoring template tools.

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