By IBRAHEEM MUSA

Basically, the challenge is universal but   varies  in  scope, degree  and severity.  Individuals, businesses and governments face the same conundrum on a regular basis. Usually, the to-do list is  endless but resources  are  limited and something has to give way for the other. Somehow, concessions are made,  involving a give and take,  requiring  tough choices. However, beyond  opportunity cost,  finance remains the  elephant in room. Everywhere, it is ubiquitous  at personal levels, in various boardrooms, at State or Federal Executive Council meetings.

Significantly, Senator Uba Sani, the Kaduna State Governor, has devised a funding matrix to execute his SUSTAIN agenda, through government financing, Public Private Partnership and  private investments. So far, the combination  is working seamlessly, as the various  components  complement  each other. Projects, by so doing, are being executed  without let or hindrance.

Indeed, the rural transformation programme, the Government’s flagship project, commenced last September,   with the flagging off of  the 21.7 kilometer road, linking  Anchau, Gadas-Palla road in Kubau and Ikara local governments, to address the transportation challenges of 32 communities. Similarly, two months later, the Governor performed a more colourful, elaborate and expanded   ground breaking event at Kudan local government  in  November, where a 10.2 kilometre road, stretching from Dan Makwarwa to Hunkuyi, was flagged off.

On December 23, ground breaking and flag offs, including   roads, drainages and culverts constructions, were done  across the eight  local governments in Southern Kaduna. Likewise, zone 2 witnessed its own share of ground breaking, with the flagging off of two rural roads this year.  Specifically,  a  35 kilometre  road will be constructed from Gadan Gayan,  through Gwaraji to Kujama Junction, linking Igabi and Chikun local governments, in Kaduna Central senatorial district. Similarly, the   6 kilometre  College Road will be built in Sabon Tasha,  from Signboard through Juji, connecting the Eastern Bypass.

However, apart from direct funding, the Governor  has been to Kuwait, Qatar and just about every country, to woo investors and  businesses are now  trickling in, to bolster Government’s efforts. Likewise, the Senator Uba Sani administration,  in collaboration with Qatar Charity  Foundation, is delivering on the  All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign promises, especially in the housing sector and  human capital development.

Last August, the partnership started on a strong footing, with the ground breaking of the Sanabil Project, initiated by the Qatar Charity, for the construction the Kaduna Economic City and the provision of Mass Housing. Indeed, 500,000 less privileged persons, according to the plan, will benefit from the project and as at January, the first phase has reached advanced stage. Besides,  the Economic City  will provide world class infrastructure,  along with clinics, shops and poultry farms, including farmlands.

Kaduna: Uba Sani breaks new ground, By IBRAHEEM MUSA

Interestingly,  housing is  not the only project on the Qatar Charity’s  checklist for Kaduna State. The poor, underserved and vulnerable children will benefit from scholarships and other empowerment programmes across the 23 local governments. In fact, sewing machines, welding machines and irrigation pumping machines, as well as salon kits, will be distributed to eligible beneficiaries. Likewise, boreholes  will be drilled for deserving communities by the Foundation. Similarly, the Charity offered free eye surgery, across the three senatorial districts, to 3,600 patients in Kaduna State last month. Indeed,   600 people underwent  cataract and other minor eye surgeries while 3, 000 received outpatient consultations.

Last week Wednesday, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar, Dr Ali bin Ghanem Ali Hajir, hosted a reception in honour of Mr Yousef Ali-Kuwari, the Global CEO of Qatar Charity Foundation. Diplomats, businessmen and senior Government officials, were amongst the A-list of guests.  The Governor,  on behalf of Kaduna State, received an award for excellent collaboration with Qatar Charity and the effective execution of the Foundation’s projects. Indeed, the partnership between Kaduna State and Qatar Charity Foundation  has been  a win-win collaboration which benefits the people and executes the latter’s mandate respectively.

The Star