Kaduna vs Qatar: A win-win partnership

The challenge is universal but varies in scope, degree and severity. Individuals, businesses and governments face the same problem regularly. Usually, the to-do list is endless but resources are limited and something has to give way for the other. Concessions are made, involving a give and take, requiring tough choices. However, beyond opportunity cost, finance remains the elephant in the room. Everywhere, it is ubiquitous at personal levels, in various boardrooms, and at the 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. By so doing, projects are being executed without hindrance.

Indeed, the rural transformation programme, the government’s flagship project, commenced last September, with the flagging off of the 21.7-kilometre 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 groundbreaking 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, groundbreaking and flag-offs, including roads, drainages and culvert constructions, were done across the eight local governments in Southern Kaduna. Likewise, Zone 2 witnessed its share of groundbreaking, 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 that are now trickling in, to bolster the government’s efforts. Likewise, the Senator Uba Sani administration, in collaboration with the 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 groundbreaking of the Sanabil Project, initiated by the Qatar Charity, for the construction of 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 of January, the first phase has reached the advanced stage. Besides, the Economic City will provide world-class infrastructure, along with clinics, shops and poultry farms, including farmlands.

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. Sewing machines, welding machines, irrigation pumping machines, and 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 cataracts and other minor eye surgeries while 3, 000 received outpatient consultations.

Last 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 that benefits the people and executes the latter’s mandate.