Analysis
By
Anas Sani Anka.
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The idea behind the construction of Zamfara investment house by the administration of Mahmuda Shinkafi Dallatun Zamfara is to raise the economic status of Zamfara and make it an investors’ heaven for various nationalities across the globe.
The initiative was also to compliment the wisdom behind Gusau International Car go Airport as at that time and also integrate the two ideas to serve as a giant source of funds to the state.
However, for some strategic reasons, this mission of great value which could not be achieved by Mahmuda Shinkafi as he lost his relection bid in 2011 was rationally abandoned by the successive governments of Yari and Matawalle.
From the reigns of Shehi down to that of Matawalle no serious commitment has been demonstrated to complete the project and make it useful to the development of the state.
Now that the administration of Dauda has taken the most painful decision of putting a life to the project, it is important to praise the Governor for making the project a reality and put his steps on track to ensure that the project is completed for the propose ofsaving the state huge capital investment made since around 2009.
Even though some people are saying the project is no more for investment house as conceived by Dallatun Zamfara rather it was converted to that of a hotel, the idea is still welcomed without mincing any word.
If the project is completed, it will save the state it’s giant investment made from the taxpayers funds which has been relegated for years and also will serve as a source of wealth flow to the state.
Even though I may not know whether the project is funded directly by the government of Zamfara state through it’s savings or rather through contract financing or Public Private Partnership whatever, the means and source, concrete arrangement should be made to ensure that the facility when completed is handed over to a private operator for safety and quality control.
The idea of engaging government officials in managing such types of investments shall be eliminated to avoid corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
The decision to complete the investment house project is a timely one and the Governor should put eye to ensure that the project is completed within the appropriate time frame.
Again even while the facility may be leased to a private management consortium appropriate arrangement shall be made to ensure that, Zamfara indigenes are engaged to fill in the vacancies of job options that may be available.
