Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has paid an inspection visit to the site of the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern shopping complex in Bama town, Borno State.
The Governor was received at the site by Grema Terab, the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, who is directly supervising the project under the state’s direct labour initiative.
Briefing the Governor, Terab said the project comprises three major blocks, each with 30 shops on the ground floor and another 30 shops upstairs.
He explained that the plan is to construct about 198 shops in total, a slight reduction from the initial 200-shop target due to road demarcation and entrance adjustments.
“We have already begun the foundation work with reinforced concrete. The draft foundation for the first block is in progress. In addition, we are working on the market demarcation and overall remodeling. At completion, the combined project will deliver over 1,000 shops, 400 stores within the market and another 600 lock-up shops outside,” Terab said.
He further disclosed that surveyors and engineers are already developing the landscaping plans to raise the base level of the market floor, allowing easier access to shops, unlike previously elevated structures.
Responding, Governor Zulum emphasised the need for quality assurance.
“I want you to ensure strict compliance to all engineering specifications. What matters most to me is that this building stands the test of time. From what I’ve seen so far, the quality appears promising, and we pray for timely completion,” the Governor said.
“Some people have said the contract was awarded to Grema Terab. Let me clarify Grema Terab is a Senior Special Assistant working under my office for special projects. He is not a contractor; this is a direct labour project managed by the government. The people of Bama should take note,” Zulum stated.
Hauwa Abu