Nigeria: Abandoned sweet potato facility vandalised
The contract for the project was awarded by former Governor Abdullahi Adamu, but was abandoned by his successor, former Governor Akwe Doma.
Investigations revealed that the Adamu released N80 million $508,000 US) as a mobilisation fee to the contractor of the project, BCC TROPICAL Nigeria Limited.
Workers on the project tried, but failed to get the project supported by Gov. Aliyu Doma, Adamu’s successor.
Government sources said that the project would have been generating N150 million monthly for the state if it had been completed.
When contacted, Mr Mohammed Wada, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Works and Transport, said that the state of the project was "very unfortunate" as it was "viable".
Wada, however, said that that the administration of Gov. Tanko Almakura was determined to complete the project for the benefit of the people.
"This government is not eager to embark on new projects. We want to complete the on-going ones that were abandoned over the years.
"Already, a committee has been set up to verify all the abandoned projects in the state, including the Yam and Sweet Potatoes Processing Centre in Keffi.
"As part of our policy thrust, any abandoned projects by the past administration that is viable and is in the overall benefit of the people of the state will be completed by the present administration," he said.
The commissioner further said that such projects would be give special priority as Almakura believed in continuity.
"In short, the era of starting a project and abandoning it or allowing it to lapse beyond stipulated time is over," he said.
Mr Plamen Iliev, Managing Director, BCC TROPICAL Ltd, said in a telephone interview that he was ready to go back to site if called upon by the present administration.
"We have expended a lot of funds on the project and would be glad to return and complete it due to its importance to he people of the state," he said.
Iliev, however, said that government should endeavour to get in contact with foreign partners in the United Kingdom and confirm their readiness to continue with the project.
This, he said, was important, because the partners' role was to provide the market in Europe.
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
