Chikun: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced the implementation of its Climate Resilient Infrastructure and Basic Services (CRIBS II) project in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State. The LGAs selected for this initiative are Chikun, Kubau, Zaria, and Giwa, where specific schools and health facilities will receive climate-resilient renovations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bala Dada, the Education Officer at UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, shared the plans for the CRIBS II project during its inception and stakeholder coordination meeting in Chikun. Dada mentioned that the project aims to enhance the resilience of health and education infrastructure against climate-related challenges. Stakeholders convened to discuss the project’s objectives, timelines, and interventions planned for the selected facilities.
Dada emphasized the project’s goal of strengthening basic services in the health and education sectors. The discussions focused on the scope of work and strategies to address potential challenges during implementation. The meeting was attended by health officials, education authorities, community leaders, WASHCOM members, contractors, and local government representatives. Dada highlighted that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is funding the project, with UNICEF overseeing its implementation.
The initiative aims to prepare schools and health facilities to withstand climate-related threats such as flooding, heat, and wind. The renovations will ensure that the facilities are safer and more conducive to learning and healthcare delivery. Dada noted that this project will serve as a model for climate-resilient construction and renovation of public facilities throughout the state.
Dr. Bossan Bitrus, Health Secretary for Chikun Local Government, welcomed the project as a significant development for local residents. He stated that two health facilities and two primary schools in Chikun LGA have been chosen for renovation. The selected health facilities are Health Clinic Buwaya in Kakau and Health Clinic Yelwa in Ungwan Yelwa. Renovations will include roofing, painting, door replacements, and the installation of environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Bitrus highlighted that the project will improve learning conditions for pupils and create a better environment for healthcare workers and patients. Contractors have assured stakeholders that the project will be completed within five months, with renovation activities carried out in phases to minimize service disruption. Bitrus urged community members to support the project and cooperate with contractors during the implementation phase.
He also stressed the importance of proper documentation for government property removed during renovation exercises, emphasizing accountability and the need to record all replaced items. On sustainability, Bitrus assured that local authorities would prioritize the maintenance of public facilities through annual budget allocations.
Florence Manshop, the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Coordinator for Chikun Local Government, praised UNICEF for selecting Kaduna as a beneficiary state. Manshop expressed optimism that the project would promote community ownership and stakeholder participation from implementation to completion. She believes the intervention will deliver durable infrastructure and improve the wellbeing of residents in the beneficiary communities.