Enugu approves N100m for neighbourhood watch

The Enugu State government has approved N100 million for equipping of local security outfit, Neighbourhood Watch, for effective policing of rural communities in the state.

Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, made this known in Enugu yesterday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting.

The commissioner said the money was approved by the council and would be used to purchase torchlights, uniforms, raincoats and boots, as well as for the upkeep of the group members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the council also approved the composition of a peace committee between communities and herdsmen aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the state.

Udeuhele said N341.7 million was also earmarked for the execution of some priority projects, including the completion of the state diagnostic centre, subject to due process certification.

Other approvals made by the council include N50 million counterpart funds for the World Bank-assisted Community Support Development Projects (CSDP) in the state to enable the state benefit from the $140 million additional financing from the bank for the projects in the communities across the state.

Udeuhele stated that the government took steps to extend electricity to some rural communities at an approved cost of N75.6 million and announced government’s approval of the convening of a town hall meeting to seek ways of addressing lingering potable water problem in the state.