— Health Centres Upgraded, Casual Health Workers’ Pay Doubled, N17 Billion Water Projects Approved, UNDP-Backed Security Relief Fund Greenlit
KATSINA – The Katsina State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved a fresh rollout of people-centered projects aimed at transforming healthcare, boosting emergency response, expanding rural water access, and supporting communities grappling with insecurity.
Briefing newsmen after the Council’s 8th regular meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, announced a major upgrade in healthcare infrastructure. The Council approved the upward review of contracts for the conversion of Comprehensive Health Centres in Zango, Faskari, and Dandume into full-fledged General Hospitals.
“With this decision, contractors will now be remobilized to site immediately to resume and complete these critical health projects,” Dr. Zango stated.
In a further boost to the health sector, the Radda-led administration approved the immediate increase in monthly stipends for Health Casual Workers across all 34 local government areas—from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 per worker. With each LGA employing 100 health casuals, the move is set to directly impact 3,400 frontline workers statewide.
“These steps reflect the government’s deep commitment to strengthening grassroots healthcare and motivating essential health personnel,” Dr. Zango added.
Fire Safety Gets a Lifeline
The Council also greenlit the repair of fire service vehicles and the acquisition of modern firefighting equipment. This, officials say, will significantly enhance the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies and protect lives and property.
₦17 Billion Water Revolution Begins
Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa, unveiled the Council’s approval of several large-scale water and sanitation projects under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.
The projects include:
- Construction of small-town water schemes in 38 communities across Daura, Funtua, Batagarawa, and Baure LGAs – at a cost of ₦9.4 billion.
- Drilling of 121 hand-pump boreholes, 60 motorized boreholes, and 60 WASH facilities – budgeted at ₦4.2 billion.
- Construction of 15 WASH facilities in schools and 18 in healthcare centres – totaling ₦2.3 billion.
- A dedicated water supply scheme in Babban Mutum, Baure LGA – approved at ₦1.1 billion.
“These interventions are targeted at ensuring safe and clean drinking water, particularly in underserved rural communities,” Dr. Saulawa said.
UNDP Partnership Targets Insecurity-Affected Areas
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, disclosed that ₦500 million has been approved as counterpart funding for Phase II of the Northwest Prevention Facility Intervention Project, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project is set to support communities affected by insecurity through the development of mass housing, economic recovery initiatives, capacity building for local security agencies, and livelihood programs for displaced persons.
“This is a lifeline for vulnerable communities. We’re grateful to UNDP and other partners for walking this journey with us,” Prof. Abdulhamid remarked.
“Building Your Future” in Full Swing
All the newly approved projects align with Governor Radda’s flagship development agenda, “Building Your Future,” which focuses on inclusive growth, rural development, and sustainable infrastructure.
With the latest SEC approvals, Katsina State appears firmly on course to deliver real impact to its citizens—one community at a time.
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