By Nura Haruna Mudi,
Abdurrahman Balarabe Isah
The Kano State Government has given a two weeks ultimatum to the contractor handling the general renovation of the Nuhu Bamalli Maternity hospital.
The ultimatum was given by the state Commissioner for Works, Engineer Marwan Ahmad, who led an inspection tour to the facility on Monday.
The decision followed a community report aired at the weekend by a local radio station – Arewa Radio – which examined the plights of prospective patients of the hospital after the facility was shut down seven months ago.
Arewa Radio had reported how the hospital situated in Kofar Nasarawa area of Kano State remains closed for seven months contrary to the promise of the state government to shut it for just three weeks renovation.
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During a visit to the hospital, our correspondent reports that some parts of the facility including theater, labour room, out patients and some offices were already painted while other sections were abandoned.
Pregnant Women Give Birth At Entrance Gate
Eyewitnesses including traders and security personnel around the facility said the prolonged delay in renovating the hospital prompted some pregnant women to giving birth at the entrance gate of the facility lately.
Also, husband of a stranded pregnant woman expressed his frustration at the entrance of the hospital.
“I brought my wife to this Bamalli Nuhu hospital to give birth, they said that there is no body working here, and they asked me to go to Murtala or Jakara Hospitals.
“I don’t even know where Jakara is, and she can give birth any moment from now, we are from Mariri.” He explained.
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A traditional ruler – Ward Head of Durumin Zungura – Bashir Balarabe also lamented over what he described as worrisome situation.
Chairman of the Hospital’s Friends Committee, Aliyu Sulaiman confirmed that the state government directed all staff to vacate the hospital for just three weeks renovation since September 2023.
Suleiman however, lamented that the over 60 year old facility remains under lock hitherto despite the three weeks deadline.
Residents around the facility were finding it difficult to cope with the rigorous condition of services at the nearest Murtala Muhammad Hospitals due to the overwhelming influx of patients at the facility.
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Apart from the failure of the hospital to discharge its primary objectives as expected, the traditional leader expressed worry over how the facility is gradually becoming a hideout for criminals.
On her part, a respected septuagenarian at the community, Hajiya Iyantu Abdullahi also lends her voice, urging Governor Kabiru Yusuf to expedite action on the renovation.
“As you can see, there is no one in the hospital. There is an increase of birth rate lately, and I think the authorities are not aware of the situation. I want Governor Abba Kabiru come and see the current situation for himself.” She said.
In his swift reaction to the report on Monday, the commissioner for works revealed that some part of the hospital will be completed and handed over to the state ministry of health within a week.
He also warned that failure of the contractor to meet the ultimatum, the state government will be left with no option than to sack the contractor and replace him with a more competent hand.
Engineer Marwan appreciated Arewa Radio for its weekly special report, which he described as a reminder to address the delay caused by the contractor.
Contractor Links Delay to Sallah Celebration, Company’s Internal Structure
When contacted, the contractor handling the renovation of the hospital, Habibu Dalhatu Zango, attributed the delay in the completion of the project to some internal changes in the structure of the company.
He added that the company’s staff were given days off during the last eid festivities, which contributed to the delay.
Dalhatu assured that his company will deliver the project within the two weeks ultimatum given by the State Government.