By Lawal Gwanda
The Katsina State Local Government Inspectorate has issued a stern warning to a contractor handling the construction of staff quarters at Primary Healthcare Centres in Batagarawa Local Government Area over what officials described as substandard work.
The Special Adviser on Local Government Inspectorate, Hon. Lawal Rufa’i Safana, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the quality of work during an inspection visit to the ongoing construction projects at Yargamji and Dabaibayawa Primary Healthcare Centres.
Safana, who carefully assessed the structures at the two sites, said several irregularities were discovered, particularly in the roofing framework of the buildings.
According to him, the contractor failed to follow the required construction standards, prompting immediate corrective directives from the inspectorate team.
He ordered the contractor to dismantle the rafters already fixed on the structures, explaining that the installation was carried out without first completing a proper head course — a key structural component required before roofing work begins.
“The rafters must be removed completely until a proper head course is constructed. Only after this correction can the rafters be reinstalled,” Safana directed.
He further instructed the contractor to replace the wood initially used for the rafters, noting that the use of 2/4 inch timber did not meet the required specification.
Instead, the contractor was mandated to use 2/6 inch treated wood, which must also undergo anti-termite treatment to ensure durability and protect the structure from termite damage.
During the inspection, the Special Adviser also observed that the newly constructed structures were not being watered regularly — a crucial process in building construction that strengthens the cement and prevents premature cracking.
Safana immediately directed the contractor to ensure consistent watering of the structures to enhance their durability and longevity.
“Proper curing through regular watering is necessary to ensure the strength of the structure. This must be done consistently,” he emphasized.
The Special Adviser warned that the contractor must strictly comply with all the corrective measures ordered by the inspectorate, stressing that failure to meet the required standards could lead to the termination of the contract.
“Every stage of the correction must be carried out to my physical satisfaction. If the contractor fails to comply with these directives, the government will have no option but to revoke the contract agreement,” Safana warned.
He reiterated the Katsina State Government’s commitment to ensuring quality and accountability in all public infrastructure projects, particularly those related to healthcare and education.
The inspection visit also provided an opportunity for the Special Adviser to assess recently rehabilitated educational facilities in the area.
Safana visited Alale Primary School and Dabaibayawa Primary School, two institutions previously identified as among the most dilapidated schools in Batagarawa Local Government Area but recently renovated and rehabilitated by the government.
He commended the intervention efforts that restored the schools, noting that improving educational infrastructure remains essential to strengthening the learning environment for pupils in rural communities.
The inspection team included the Director of Inspection and an engineer from the relevant ministry, while the Director of Works and the Unit Head from Batagarawa Local Government also accompanied the Special Adviser during the exercise.
Officials said the inspection forms part of the state government’s broader effort to ensure that contractors handling public projects adhere strictly to approved specifications and deliver quality infrastructure for the benefit of citizens.
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