…Security, Roads, Healthcare Top Priorities
By Our Correspondent
THE Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, has listed security, agriculture, environmental sanitation, roads and health care as his priorities.
He also listed the campaign against drug abuse and street trading and workers’ welfare as part of sectors that would be accorded due attention by his administration.
Ehiwarior made the disclosure in his maiden press statement underlining his social contract with his constituents as he assumed office.
He said the plan on security was to restore peace in the area once famous for viable agricultural activities.
The council boss lamented that the high incidence of insecurity in the area, typified largely by kidnapping for ransom and killings, had forced farmers out of their livelihoods and entrenched fear and poverty among the people.
He stressed that the situation must not be allowed to persist, and vowed to give the insecurity a potent fight.
“We cannot sit back and allow criminals control our lives. Ika South Local Government, under my watch, will find a lasting solution to this sad commentary. I will mobilize the traditional institution, community leaders, youths and all forms of security apparatus to secure our homes and farmlands.”
Ehiwarior said adequate attention would also be accorded road development and maintenance while the Works Department would be revitalized to deliver on its mandate.
On health, he said the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the area would be provided basic medical and other necessities for enhanced efficiency, while environmental sanitation would be enhanced via the institution of potent committees and task force, collaboration with waste disposal and management firms for enhanced success as well as greater enforcement of the monthly sanitation exercises and public enlightenment on the subject.
He also spoke of the intention of his administration in the agricultural sector, saying it would support farmers with grants and other subsidized inputs, as part of efforts to ensure food security in the area.
The Chairman disclosed that street trading and wrong parking of vehicles would not be tolerated, just as he pledged regular payment of staff salaries, allowances and other legitimate entitlements.
On the incidence of drug abuse in the area, he said, “ we shall partner with relevant agencies to arrest this ugly and disturbing trend.”
