WikkiTimes, a Bauchi-based investigative and data journalism outlet, last week launched its e-Paper, a PDF format of the platform, giving readers the flexibility to read stories at ease.
This week, WikkiTimes e-Paper showcased some of its investigations recently published.
On December 6, 2022, WikkiTimes published how the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, with funding from the COVID-19 Intervention Fund, claimed to have executed a multi-million naira solar-powered water boreholes across six local government areas in Bauchi north, the outlet proved the claim wrong.
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However, WikkiTimes’ investigation reveals that residents in the affected LGAs still trek long distances to source water for domestic use from unclean and dirty sources despite the release of the funds to address their water needs.
WikkiTimes reports that the water project remains a mirage, but the money for its execution has mysteriously disappeared.
In another investigation published on September 28, WikkiTimes discovered how some primary healthcare centres in Niger State are yet to feel the impact of the Federal Government’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which seeks to improve Nigeria’s healthcare coverage, especially for the vulnerable.
WikkiTimes’ visit to the centre uncovered leaking roofs, inadequate equipment and drugs are some of the remains pressing challenges at the centres.
Similarly, on September 3, the online media outlet reported how, Lanle Travel & Tour, a private company, milked millions of naira from some intended pilgrims in Niger State, with the promise of airlifting them to the Holy Land, Saudi Arabia.
For unclear reasons, they were not airlifted after spending weeks in Shiroro Hotel and Hajj Camp in Minna, the capital of Niger State.
Also, the federal government wasted over N1bn in emergency repairs on the Bauchi-Gombe Road in a questionable and shoddy execution, nonetheless, the road remains a death trap. This is the publication of WikkiTimes on October 4.
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The investigation revealed that in its desperate move to siphon money, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing not only failed to execute the work but paid contractors that have nothing to do with road construction; some of them are oil companies.
It ended up spending about N1bn in repair works to salvage the already decayed Bauchi-Gombe Highway, but the road remained a nightmare for motorists, occasioned by killer potholes and numerous failed sections due to questionable contracts and shoddy execution, says the outlet.
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