Jutha Gupah, Damaturu
The Yobe State Executive Council (SEC) has earmarked N3.87 billion for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine procurement and completion of roads projects in Damaturu, the state capital. Announcing the earmark on Tuesday, after the council meeting, the Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Mala Musti disclosed that with the procurement of magnetic machine for State’s University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH), dialysis for kidney patients will be free of charge. He said that Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has approved free dialysis services to all indigent kidney patients at the teaching hospital, Damaturu. He further disclosed that the new 1.5T imaging machine; will be procured and installed in YSUTH at the cost of N585.62 million. According to him, the installation of health facility was to accelerate and improve on radiographic and diagnostic services to the people. He said other projects to be completed, include the construction of a three-storey female students’ hostel at the Yobe State University (YSU) at N244.36 million. He said for the repairs and maintenance of various township roads and drainages, the sum of N823.39 million was also earmarked for other roads linking towns and villages. “A 4.5-kilometre new dual-carriage way from Damaturu Abattoir to the new bypass Roundabout will also be built at the cost of N1.121 billion,” he said. On street light projects, Musti said: “Two hundred and four units of double-arm solar-powered street lighting will be installed on the 7.04-kilometer dualized Damaturu-Gujba expressway. “While another 142 units of double-arm solar street lighting are also to be provided for the 3.433-kilometer Damaturu-Potiskum dual-carriage way at the cost of N617.21 million.” He added that N480 million was earmarked for the provision of 20 units of Toyota Hilux 4WD Pick-Up vans. According to him, the vans are additional logistics support for security operations in the state and for use by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
