By Chris Ochayi
ABUJA—Chief of Administration, Nigerian Army, General B. S. Usara, has said the 44 Nigeria Army Referral Hospital, Kaduna, meant to cater for injured army personnel during internal security or foreign peacekeeping operations, was not abandoned.

Gen. Usara, who stated this over the weekend, explained that about 90 per cent of the project has been completed.

He said: “The reconstruction of the project has not been abandoned. The truth is that work has been going on progressively but internally, because we are at the last building stage which does not need rushing.

“Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, does not nurse any ethnic sentiments about the project. Since he came to office, Lt.-General Ihejirika has placed premium on the project and paid familiarisation and inspection visit to the project.

”He (Ihejirika) does not have any ethnic agenda against the North. Recently, the COAS released money for completion of phase one of the project which is completion of the radiology department. Power connection to the hospital by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, is almost completed. By next week we expect power supply at the hospital.

“As I am talking to you, the project is already 90 per cent completed. We have completed all the structural works up to the roof level, ceiling, painting, service facilities and others.

“In fact, the furniture was handled by Julius Berger. The radiology equipment has been delivered by General Electric from the United States.

“The painting of the Radiology Department will begin next week. The GE will commence the installation of MRI, endoscopic, Mammography, X-ray, and nuclear energy equipment.

“The delay certainly is not about lack of commitment to the project by the Chief of Army Staff. All things being equal, if we have enough money, the hospital will be fully functional in first half of next year.”