The governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Matawalle said on Wednesday that the government would spend N8.631 billion for the construction of modern rural grazing area (RUGA) settlements in the state.
Matawalle who disclosed this during the inauguration of the construction of one of the three pilot RUGA settlements in Maradun local government area said each of the three pilot settlements, which would be situated in each of the three senatorial districts, would cost N2.877 billion.
He said each settlement will be fitted with 210 two and three-bedroom houses, western and Islamiyya schools, earth dams, grazing land, and mosques.
Other facilities will include police stations, 130 shops and mini markets, livestock markets, diary collection, and social centers, roads and drainages among others.
Matawalle, who celebrated his 100 days in office with the official foundation-laying of the RUGA settlement, said the activity would also witness medical outreach to both Fulanis and their animals throughout the state.
In his remarks, the governor of Sokoto State, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, commended the initiative, said RUGA was formed since the pre-colonial era for improved pastoral and farming growth.
He described as unfortunate the crises between herders and farming communities, saying the modern RUGA settlement to be established by the Zamfara government would go a long way in addressing the conflict.
“In Sokoto, I have 19 RUGA settlements, 10 of which have modern social welfare facilities, which we will continue to improve upon,” he said.
The foundation-laying of the RUGA scheme is one of the high points of the 100 days in-office celebration of the Matawalle-led administration in Zamfara.
With NAN report
