From: Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has said that it would review the 17-year-old land charges as part of its plan to meet up N1.4 billion Internal Generated Revenues (IGR) through the Ministry of Land and Housing.
Commissioner for Land and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar China Ladan, who stated this, on Thursday, disclosed that the ministry realised N60 millions 2016 against the N58 millions approved target by the government.
His words, “Last year, we were given target of N58 millions and we realised N60 millions despite most of the activities of the Ministry were dormant. If all our activities were utilised, we would have double it.
“This year, we were given N1.4billion target. That means the Ministry has to put some of it dormant activities active”.
Ladan disclosed that to meet up with the expectations, the land charges which had being using for the past 17 years would be review upward while more revenue collection points would be extended to markets and motor parks in the state.
He disclosed that the state government would spend N1.5 billions for the reconstruction of Birnin Kebbi market burnt last year by inferno stressed that government is still negotiating with the contractor to reduce the cost.
Speaking on the achievements, Ladan said N250 millions has been distributed as compensation to some land and property’s owners whose properties were affected by various government road projects across the state.
He disclosed that ten hectares of land have been reserved for the Federal Government Housing scheme in the state stressed that the state also planned to construct about 1000 houses in Birnin-Kebbi, Yauri and Argungu areas of the state.
He added that N40 million were spent on installation of streets lights in Birnin-Kebbi while N176 millions were used to replace them and install phase two of the project.
The Commissioner who lamented over lack of refuses collections in the state added that the main challenges faced his Ministry are allocation of land for dumping site, danger pose to people’s health and method of collection.