The construction of a 250 capacity theatre at the College of Education and Islamic Studies, Ringim Jigawa state was greeted with excitement. The students looked forward to a less congested lecture and examination experience.
However, the project’s durability remains a big question as a building that is yet to be handed over to the school is already looking dilapidated.
Ngaloma Construction Ltd. was awarded the N74.86 million contract to build a 250-seater theatre at the College of Education and Islamic Studies on the 16th of March 2021.
The contract was stated in the Jigawa state capital project with contract number JEC/250/2021/VOL.I/7 to be handled by the state Ministry of Education.
This project was scheduled to be completed within 24 weeks (8 months) and handed over to the Jigawa State Ministry of Education by November 2021.
However, Dataphyte’s Monitoring Team’s visit to the site of the project in January 2022 revealed that the project is still ongoing. But of greater concern is the state of the ongoing project.
According to the contractor, the project is 85% completed, however a perimeter survey of the building revealed that the fittings used in the theatre appear inferior.
The tiles on the floor of the yet to be used project are already broken, an indication that the tiles are substandard.
Also, the electricity switches were not functional and the “new” doors had no handles and key engines.
At 85% completion, the theatre is yet to have a public address system, a projector, windows, door handles, and connection to electrical power.
There were no bulbs or electrical outlets in some of the offices.
Perhaps the above fittings make up 15% left of the completion of the project, however, the quality of the fittings already put in is a source of concern as they are already spoiling even before the theatre is used by the school.
Though the students are excited about the prospect of the theatre as it will reduce the congestion experienced during lectures and examinations, the quality of the fittings remain a big concern for longevity of the project.