The Bauchi House of Assembly has joined the league of beneficiaries of the State Urban Renewal Programme of Governor Bala Mohammed-led administration with the flagging-off of its renovation, remodeling and upgrading at the sum of N7 billion.
Performing the ground breaking ceremony for the project in Bauchi on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed said the project will be undertaken under the urban renewal programme of his administration.
He recalled that the Abubakar Umar Secretariat ousing the State Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government was also renovated under the same programme to provide a conducive working environment for the public and civil servants that constitute the engine room for governance.
Governor Bala added, “All secretariats of the local government councils have been reconstructed and provided with necessary working materials and machineries as a means of improving service delivery at the grassroots.
“The expansion of the State High Court complex, and award of contract for the completion of twelve new magistrate courts is geared to make it more effective in the discharge of its core functions.”
Governor Mohammed disclosed that 50 percent of the N7 billion earmarked for the remodeling and upgrading of the Bauchi State House of Assembly Complex has already been disbursed to the contractor.
The Governor emphasised that the initiative transcends mere infrastructural development, but represents a strategic investment and a symbol of equal respect for the legislative arm of government.
He explained that for nearly two decades, the Complex had not received any significant renovation, saying “This project is a demonstration of our commitment to equitable treatment of all three arms of government.”
He assured of his administration’s determination to provide lawmakers with a conducive environment to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
Built in the 1980s under the administration of Governor Abubakar Tatari Ali, the State Assembly complex will now undergo a comprehensive 12-month transformation, supervised by ARCHITECTRONIX Nigeria Ltd, a firm selected through a competitive bidding process.
In order to ensure continuity of legislative operations during the reconstruction, Governor Bala announced that temporary offices had been provided at the former Deputy Governor’s office for the lawmakers.
For his part, the state Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule, detailed the scope of the work to include remodeling of the main legislative chamber, renovation of administrative and committee buildings, construction of a new Assembly Service Commission building, installation of a 100 KVA solar-powered backup energy system and upgrading of internal roads, drainages, water supply systems, and perimeter fencing, among others.
Kawule pledged strict monitoring to ensure timely and quality delivery, and applauded the governor’s leadership and attention to detail.
Also speaking, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman expressed the House’s deep appreciation to the governor.
He described the renovation as both a physical renewal and a reaffirmation of democratic commitment.
Suleiman also praised the synergy between the executive and legislative arms, saying it had significantly enhanced legislative productivity and impact.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, commended Governor Mohammed for his foresight, and urged lawmakers to see the upgraded Complex as a call to greater service.
The monarch applauded the administration’s inclusive governance style, declaring that, “Democracy must not only be practiced, it must be dignified.”
