Delta approves N600m for SDG schemes

Delta State Executive Council, yesterday, approved the release of N600 million counterpart-fund for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to finance the 2020 schemes in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagu, who disclosed this to journalists in Asaba shortly after the meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, also said the council approved the determination of contract for the construction of 50 units of two and three-bedroom houses awarded since 2013.

He said the government would embrace Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement to fast-track the project, adding: “We also approved the appointment of Michael Onodowo as Regent of Igbide Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area and Dr. Sunday Owoupele as Ebenanaowei of Tarakiri Kingdom in Patani Local Government Area.

“Exco also approved terms of allotment of factory plots to investors at the Agro-Industrial Park at Aboh-Ogwashi to enable investors come into fast-track the commencement of the industrial park.

“The council also approved the construction of road and stormwater drains behind the new state secretariat to link the drains to the Okpanam Road storm drainage.

We also approved the construction of a General Hospital at Ute-Okpu in Ika North East Local Government Area to address health challenges of the communities in the area,” he said.

Aniagwu further said that Exco approved N456 million for payment of athletes who won medals at the just-concluded National Sports Festival, Edo 2020, and the transfer of the School of Marine Technology, Burutu, from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Higher Education for better management and supervision.

Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emma Amgbaduba, added that Exco approved guidelines for location and regulation of gas plants and fuel stations in the state.

“Following the embargo earlier placed on siting of gas stations in the state, the State Executive Council approved the siting of petrol and gas stations in the state with stringent conditions.

“Existing ones would be given time to upgrade according to the new regulations,” he said.