Niger committee faults poor workmanship, delays in ward development projects

The Niger State Steering Committee of the Ward Development Project has raised concerns over poor workmanship and delays in project execution following a three-day inspection of ongoing and completed infrastructure across the state’s three senatorial districts.

The inspection also uncovered a market store project at Mutun Daya, Shiroro Local Government Area, where construction had yet to commence, raising questions about compliance with implementation timelines.

The exercise, led by the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Isah Adamu, covered projects in education, water supply, drainage and market infrastructure across selected local government areas.

Adamu said the inspection was intended to complement assessments by the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, verify reported achievements and determine whether contractors were complying with approved specifications and delivery schedules.

He stressed that effective monitoring was necessary to protect public funds and ensure communities received infrastructure that met the required standards.

In Zone A, the committee inspected motorised boreholes in Gbako, a completed solar-powered borehole in Edati, drainage projects in Bida and classroom renovation in Lavun Local Government Area.

The commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work and pace of construction on the classroom renovation project in Daban Ward, Lavun, and called for strict adherence to approved standards and timely completion.

In Zone B, the delegation assessed completed motorised boreholes in Gurara, classroom renovation projects in Munya and Paikoro, and renovated classrooms equipped with furniture in Shiroro.

The committee also inspected a completed solar-powered borehole in Gunu Ward, Shiroro, before discovering that work on the market store at Mutun Daya had not started.

In Zone C, the inspection covered classroom construction and renovation at primary schools in Rafi, Wushishi and Bosso local government areas. The team also visited a solar-powered borehole in Maikunkele Ward and a perimeter fencing project at Yahaya Bawa Bosso Primary School.

The committee said the findings would guide further monitoring and follow-up actions, particularly on projects requiring improvements in workmanship, faster execution and compliance with approved timelines.

The inspection forms part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen accountability and ensure value for money under the Ward Development Project, which is aligned with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s New Niger Agenda.