Acting Governor of Borno state, Umar Kadafur has summoned contractors to sites and complete the 500 housing project. The N5 billion project was awarded in January, 2020 and sitted along the Damaturu and Gubio Roads, Maiduguri, the state capital. According to Kadafur, who doubles as the Chairman of 500 housing project implementation committee; the contractors were paid their mobilization fees of N1.6 billion. While summoning the contractors in a special announcement of the committee secretary, Mohammed Abdu, the acting Governor disclosed that; “All contractors, who are either yet to report to project sites or abandoned their work; as well as not reached the damp-proof course (DPC) levels should return immediately.” He directed the affected contractors to commence work within seven days ultimatum. “Failure to comply with this directives the committee has no other option, but to revoke your contracts,” he warned, reiterating that the contractors are also to refund their mobilization fees to the state government. He said that the list of defaulting contractors are already published in various media in the state. While laying the foundation for the housing projects last year, Governor Babagana Zulum said that the construction of 500 houses was to bridge shelter deficits. He said the housing situation has forced many residents to resort to shanty settlements with attendant environmental hazards at the peripheries of Maiduguri. He said the two Housing Estates are furnished with a police post, market, school, clinic and a fire service to check fire outbreaks. “We’ll not compromise on terms of contracts, including adherence to standards of building material that could withstand harsh weather conditions,” said Zulum.
