FEW weeks to the end of this administration, indigenous contractors in Kano State have expressed dissatisfaction that the outgoing government of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has refused to pay them for jobs done, thereby stalling the completion of so many projects and putting their money at risk.

Speaking with newsmen, the state Chairman of Kano Indigenous Contractors, Auduwa Maitangaran, said that members were at crossroads with banks, business partners and even family members following the non-payment of their monies.

“We are being neglected by the government that gave us contracts to execute,” he said. “As at now and with the information available to us, we have unsettled payments of over N60 billion.”

He further disclosed that they wrote over 30 complaint letters to Kwankwaso without any positive development. The governor, according to Maitangaran, linked them with the commissioners for commerce and works, “but up till now, there is nothing to show for it as far as progress concerning our plight (is concerned).

“We are appealing to the state governor to, as a matter of urgency, save us from the embarrassment we are receiving from our banks, business partners, our families and other people in the society.”

Maitangaran faulted the Kano Government’s procedures for awarding contracts, especially to indigenous contractors, alleging that due process was not being followed.

In a swift reaction, however, Kwankwaso has assured that before he leaves office he would see that the figures dropped, even as he said that government is continuous. He explained that since he came into office, he has not borrowed a dime from any bank, country or individual.

He further disclosed that that his government inherited a debt of N700 billion and $200 million, adding: “We have paid a substantial amount of our inherited debt; people should come to understand that as we are working, we are paying, and as we are paying, contractors are also working.

“So, I won’t care how much is left, government is a continuous process. Whatever we leave will be handed down to the incoming administration.”