The Bauchi State government claimed it spent N2.4 million on “advocacy and construction of public toilets” in four local government areas, a WikkiTimes analysis of the state’s 2024 first quarter budget implementation document revealed.
According to the document, the Ministry of Housing and Environment budgeted N35 million for the project in Dambam, Misau, Ningi and Darazo local government areas.
Although it stated that 7% [2,434,100.00] of the budget had been spent on the project, there was no evidence to justify the expenses.
WikkiTimes understands that such projects are usually sited in large markets, motor parks and schools among other places.
Project Not Found
When WikkiTimes visited the headquarters of the four local councils where the government claimed to have executed the project, marketers and park officials said there was nothing like such a project.
The Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Misau Branch, Ya’u Abubakar, said there was nothing like advocacy or construction of public toilets in the Misau Central Motor Park.
He added that their drivers and passengers are in dire need of public toilets.
“There is no such public toilet constructed by the government even though we have been yearning for such,” he told WikkiTimes. “I assure you if we have them, we will take care of them and do any repairs if it requires such.”
Also, Salisu Malami, the Chairman of the Misau Traders and Artisans Union in Misau Central Market, explained that advocates of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) have been sensitising them on the need to erect public toilets in the market.
“WASH has given us a master plan on building toilets. They even encourage private individuals to build toilets and they will supply them with a water system,” he said, adding: “There is no toilet built by the Ministry of Housing and Environment.”
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The same fate marred the project in Darazo and Ningi local government areas, according to our findings.
“I doubt if there is such a project in Darazo,” a local government official who was not authorised to speak with the press told WikkiTimes. “Even though it was constructed in remote villages, we would have been invited to attend its commissioning.”
Another N10 million was budgeted for a similar project in local government areas like Alkaleri, Azare, Dass, Gamawa Jama’are and Toro, but further analysis of the budget implementation documents shows that money was not released.
Efforts to reach Danlami Ahmed Kawule, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Ministry of Housing and Environment, over the phone proved abortive. A text message sent to him had not been responded to as of press time.
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