Date: 2016-10-19

The Kwara House of Assembly on Tuesday directed its Committee on Housing to investigate why the 16 bungalows built for judges by the Kwara government in llorin were not put to use several years after completion. The directive was sequel to the adoption of a motion titled entitled " Putting the Abandoned Judges Quarters into Use" moved by Ahmed lbn-Mohammed (APC, Kaiama-Wajibe Constituency).

The motion, which enjoyed the support of all members, frowned at what it described as the deplorable condition of the abandoned quarters for judges. The motion also directed the appropriate government ministry and agency to take immediate action to resuscitate the project and put it into use.

Mohammed noted that the 16 bungalows built by the state government on the Tanke/Basin link road in llorin showed government's good intention toward providing shelter for judges. He noted further that while the project was completed, it depreciated due to lack of use. The lawmaker expressed concern that the colossal sum of tax payers' money expended on the project was now becoming wasted.

"The said project site is now becoming bushy which hoodlums now turn into hideout to carry out their nefarious activities," Mohammed said.

Some of the members, who contributed during debate on the issue, noted with displeasure the security and economic challenges posed by the abandoned quarters. Reading the resolution, the Deputy Speaker, Mathew Okedare , who presided over Tuesday's plenary, directed the committee to investigate the abandoned quarters and report back to the House in two weeks.

The House also mandated the state Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to clear the bush surrounding the quarters.

Meanwhile, the House has also directed its Committee on Education and Human Capital Development to investigate the closure of the hostels at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

The directive followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Abdulrafiu Abdulrahman (APC, llorin North Constituency) on the closure of the hostels.

Abdulrahman told the House that the renovation of hostels, which led to the closure of the hostels as claimed by the school's management, was a welcome development although the timing was wrong.

The Deputy Speaker mandated the Committee on Education and Human Capital Development to investigate the matter and report back to the House in a forth night. (NAN)