The Jigawa State Government is to spend N2.9 billion to upgrade 30 health facilities in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammed Kainuwa, made this known during the opening of bids for the award of contract for the projects in Dutse on Tuesday.

Mr Kainuwa said the amount would be spent on the construction of midwifery quarters, wall fence, water and solar power supply in facilities across 30 constituencies in the state.

He explained that the gesture was aimed at improving quality healthcare delivery and welfare of health workers in the state.

“It is our intention to provide conducive atmosphere for our teeming health workers, especially those working in remote areas, through provision of accommodation, potable water supply and lighting system,” he said.

The commissioner added that it was also to ensure that health facilities provided 24-hour service to people of the state.

“There is no way we can achieve 24-hour service without accommodation, water and light, so that’s why we are providing all these in our health facilities,” the commissioner added.

Mr Kainuwa said that the bid documents would be subjected to a series of technical and financial scrutiny by a team of professionals to evaluate them.

This, he said, is to ensure that the bid documents meet all other criteria.

He stated, “As regards execution of the projects by successful bidders, it is imperative to bring to their notice that the state ministry of health is strict on the agreement signed with contractors on the contract award. Therefore, any deviation without due approval from relevant authority may lead to unfavourable consequences.’’

The commissioner advised the successful bidders to be critical with conditions provided in the contract agreement, particularly time frame and quality of work.

“It may interest the bidders to also note that payment of certified work done follows state government processes and procedures. The process of payment documents is not cumbersome as long as the contractor fulfilled necessary obligations for the payment,” the commissioner stated. 

He assured the public of the government’s resolve to upgrade the 281 health facilities in the state.

(NAN)