The Jigawa State House of Assembly has tasked its health committee to look into the multi-billion-naira project for the conversion of Kiyawa Cottage Hospital into a general hospital.
Iconic Times learnt that the chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Usman Abdullahi Tura, said the directive came after the Kiyawa community raised concerns about alleged misconduct by the contractor.
Tura noted that “today the Jigawa State House of Assembly under Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin has mandated its health committee to investigate the upgrading of Kiyawa cottage to a general hospital, equipment supply and installation.”
He explained that the committee was charged with investigating the award process, contract execution, and identifying what went wrong with the General Hospital Kiyawa project.
According to him, the controversy started when the state governor, alongside Speaker Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, visited the hospital during a citizens’ engagement forum in Kiyawa town, where locals complained about the use of poor materials in the work.
The member representing Guri State Constituency confirmed that during the visit of top officials, visible structural defects were discovered.
“This is a sad development, but as a committee constitutionally saddled with the mandate, we intend to go and find out the critical issues involved and resolve the matter amicably without rancour within the four-week time frame given to us by the House.
“We have already visited the hospital, the Kiyawa General Hospital; it now remains for us to invite the contractors to furnish us with what truly happened. We have noticed some defects during our last oversight visit to the hospital.
“We added him, at least to come and look analyse some defects and if possible, amend them, but unfortunately, along the line he was not able to do so until now. So this is the time we’re asked to visit the hospital and see what went wrong so that the entire community can enjoy the facilities provided by the general hospital.”
The lawmaker stated that the grievances originated from the people themselves, stressing that the committee would identify why the community is yet to benefit from the intended hospital facilities.
He urged residents to present their observations formally during the committee sittings.
“Therefore, we informed them that the situation is under control and we’re determined to address their complaints and find a lasting solution to their grievances,” he said.
