Sokoto Govt Explains Delay in Tudun-Wada Township Roads Project After Residents’ Complaints

Following a report published by GaskiyaCast highlighting complaints from residents of Tudun-Wada, the hometown of Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, over the poor quality and slow pace of a township roads construction project, the State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barr. Nasiru Aliyu Dan Tsoho, visited the site and addressed journalists.

He stated: “We came to inspect the project that has generated complaints, and we are here alongside the contractor handling the work. I commend the residents of this community, this is how it should be. Whenever a project is being executed and people notice anything wrong, they should speak up. After completion, the project returns to them, and they will be responsible for maintaining it”.

He added that he was pleased with the feedback from residents but acknowledged that certain challenges had affected the project.

“Firstly, when the contract for roads in the Tudun-Wada area was awarded, we spent about eight months engaging with community members to secure their consent to release land for the road. However, they did not cooperate and the government had to intervene to obtain the needed access”.

“Secondly, after work commenced, the contractor began complaining about the rising cost of materials. It is the policy of the Sokoto State government that once a contract is awarded, it is not reviewed upward.

“However, we all know how market conditions fluctuate, leading to increased costs. This is one of the reasons the project has been progressing slowly. We are currently in discussions to find a way forward and ensure the work resumes at full pace”.

The Commissioner further explained that the government has not increased the contract sum, despite the contractor’s complaints, and negotiations are still ongoing, hence the temporary halt in construction.

He emphasized that residents have the right to report any substandard work to ensure quality delivery.

However, he urged that such complaints should be informed and guided by proper understanding, noting that technical standards are determined by engineers, not the government.

“If people want to make complaints, they should first investigate and understand the situation. We are working hard to complete this phase before the rainy season, as we are aware of the hardship residents face during that period.”

He concluded by clarifying that the government has not yet certified or accepted any part of the work done in Tudun-Wada. The project remains under the contractor’s responsibility until it is fully completed, inspected and approved by government engineers.