Army Commissions Remodelled 3 Blocks Of 12 Flats At Shadawanka barracks Bauchi

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

In an effort to address accommodation deficit, the Nigerian Army has commissioned three blocks of 12 flats at the 33 Artillery brigade, Shadawanka barracks Bauchi.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Lieutenant  Atang Hallet Solomon, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations in Bauchi on Sunday.

According to the statement, the commission was done by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven (GOC/Comd OPSH), Major General A.E Abubakar on 3rd July 2024.

He said that the three blocks of 12 flats were renovated for 36 families of Cpl and below soldiers at 33 Artillery Brigade, Shadawanka Barracks Bauchi.

The PRO who noted that the GOC was represented by the Commander 33 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General E Egbe who appreciated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja for his commitment to renovating and remodelling structures across Nigerian Army barracks.

He stated that the gesture would go a long way in addressing the accommodation challenges in Shadawanka Barracks.

According to him, the edifice will further motivate the troops to give the best in their service to the nation.

General Abubakar while urging the occupants of the newly remodelled and renovated accommodation to take proper care of the facility, said that the COAS used a lot of funds to give the structures a face lift.

He therefore urged them to maintain the structures and report anyone who deliberately mismanages or damages the newly reconstructed quarters to appropriate authority for sanctions.

Gen Abubakar who disclosed that one of the pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy was sound administration and the welfare of troops and their families, pointed out that the remodelling and renovation was necessary to provide befitting accommodation for soldiers along with their families to keep the morale of the troops high.

While giving details of remodelling and renovated works carried out on the structures, the Commanding Officer 33 Artillery Brigade Cantonment Maintenance Group, Lt Col AS Gumel, explained that the contract for the works was awarded in March 2023.

According to him, the remodelling and reconstruction works included installation of concrete and facia; roof carcass long-span aluminium roofing sheets; POP ceiling and the installation of doors and casement windows. Others are tilling; painting; plumbing; electrical installations; kitchen cabinets and external works.

The GOC said the contract agreement was completed in December 2023 in accordance with the Bill of Quantity.

In a vote of thanks, one of the beneficiaries, SSgt Adewale Okewo expressed appreciation to the COAS and the GOC/Comd OPSH for the gesture, promising proper maintenance of the structure.