By Ibrahim Muhammad
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned contractors handling the newly launched Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS II) projects against compromising quality standards, urging strict compliance with approved specifications and terms of reference.
The warning was issued by Dr. Uba Lawal, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist at the UNICEF Kano Field Office, during the CRIBS II inception meeting held on Thursday in Dutse.
Dr. Lawal said the launch of CRIBS II followed the successful implementation of the first phase of the programme in Jigawa State.
He explained that the second phase targets the rehabilitation of 14 primary healthcare facilities and 10 schools across five local government areas—Auyo, Gwaram, Jahun, Maigatari and Taura.
According to him, the project is designed to ensure that the selected public institutions remain functional and resilient in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
He said the intervention would reduce climate risks through the construction of flood-control infrastructure, provision of deeper boreholes and solar-powered water systems, and installation of heat-mitigation measures such as reflective paints, improved ventilation and shade trees.
Dr. Lawal also cautioned contractors and project supervisors against cutting corners, stressing that all works must meet the required standards and be completed on or before June 24, 2026.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Shafeeq Ur Rehman, Chief of the UNICEF Kano Field Office, expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by stakeholders toward the successful implementation of the programme.
He noted that the achievements recorded under CRIBS I in Kano and Jigawa states paved the way for the rollout of CRIBS II and its expansion to six states: Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe and Enugu.
Rehman commended the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for funding the initiative, while also acknowledging UNICEF’s implementation efforts and the counterpart support provided by participating state governments.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting Local Government chairmen, Taura Local Government local Government council chairman, Hon. Hambali, expressed appreciation to Governor Umar Namadi, UNICEF and FCDO for the intervention.
He assured the local Government ‘s support and commitment towards the success of the project.
