Asaba – Local government workers in Delta state are to smile soon as the state government assured them of upsetting their salaries 13 months arrears from the Paris club refund.
The commissioner for information, Mr. Patrick Ukah who acknowledged the receipt of the N10 billion Paris refund meant for Delta state at a post exco briefing on Wednesday in Asaba, said the state governor, senator Ifeanyi Okowa expressed concern over the plight of the local government workers who are been owed 13 months salaries to give them the lion share of the fund.
Mr Ukah informed that part of the money would also be use to pay the state pensioners and workers salaries, saying that the modality to share the fund for other sectors is being work out by the offices of economic planning, finance and accountant general.
According to Ukah who assured of the judicious use of the Paris refund, said at the exco meeting, government gave approval to the construction of Trans Warri/Ode-Iksekiri bridges and access roads.
He said government would also embark on the construction of Ideze by- pass to Okpe- Isoko, in Isoko South LG and the award of rehabilitation of Aviara/Okpare road, Okpare/ Okpawa road in Isoko South LGA.
The commissioner of work, Mr James Augoye who was also at the briefing, explained that the Trans Warri/Ode-Ikskiri bridges that was awarded in 2006 by previous administration to the tune of N40 billion, with N16 billion paid to the contractor firm was review by the present government to cost N7.6 billion.
On the menace of flood, information commissioner said
government is working assiduously to alleviate the effects of the flood which recently devastated parts of the state including Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and other towns and communities.
Mr. Ukah said the Governor of the State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was very much concerned about the effects of the flood on the citizens of the state.
He further stated that it would not be possible for now to quantify the damages done in government and other properties, including Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, because the relevant agencies are still taking stock.
Speaking on Camp 74 Asaba, the Commissioner made it clear that work on that area and other areas affected by the flood will receive due attention as soon as the rains eases off.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by his Works counterpart, Hon. Chief James Augoye, further appealed to Deltans to be safety conscious by staying off flood prone areas.
