Get Guardian on GoogleThe Taraba State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project has commenced the procurement process for key infrastructure projects aimed at improving livestock productivity, environmental sanitation and agricultural development across the state.
The bid opening ceremony, held on Tuesday, Jalingo ,was addressed by the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, who said the interventions were designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, strengthen livestock and agricultural value chains, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and other stakeholders.
The projects, as observed by The Guardian, cover the construction of stormwater culverts, access road improvements and environmental sanitation interventions at the Mutum-Biyu Abattoir, as well as the construction and equipping of two Farmer Field Schools and four Wet Markets across Taraba State.
Represented by the state L-PRES ICT and communication officer, Mr. Ezra Artimas,. Albert explained that the intervention at the Mutum-Biyu Abattoir would improve drainage, road access and sanitary conditions, thereby creating a cleaner and safer environment for livestock processing and related activities.
He added that the two Farmer Field Schools and four Wet Markets would provide improved facilities for agricultural training, knowledge sharing, capacity development, production and marketing, while enhancing market access and economic opportunities for farming communities.
The State Project Coordinator emphasised the importance of transparency, fairness and accountability in the procurement exercise, assuring participating bidders that all submissions would be handled objectively in line with established procurement guidelines.
He urged bidders and other stakeholders to maintain professionalism and integrity throughout the process, noting that the ultimate objective was to ensure value for money, quality infrastructure and sustainable benefits for the people of Taraba state.
Albert also acknowledged the commitment of the Taraba State Government, development partners, procurement officials and other stakeholders towards the successful implementation of the projects.
Also speaking, the Director of the Taraba State Livestock Commission, Dame Musa, said the proposed projects, upon completion, would address longstanding environmental challenges at the Mutum-Biyu Abattoir, particularly those relating to sanitation, food safety and the protection of public health.
He further noted that the Farmer Field Schools would serve as training centres for local farmers and pastoralists, providing opportunities for capacity building in sustainable livestock management and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the interventions would contribute to improving livestock management practices while promoting healthier relationships between farming and pastoralist communities.
Some of the bidders who spoke with The Guardian expressed confidence in Taraba L-PRES as the unanimously agreed that the bid process was transparent.
The projects, as gathered by our correspondent, form part of efforts under the LPRES initiative to strengthen agricultural and livestock production systems, improve market infrastructure and build resilience among farming and pastoralist communities in Taraba state.
