Despite the opportunity offered by the outbreak of Covid 19, Delta State Government has refused to restart the construction of the abandon Ekpan Mother and Child Care Centre which was started by the Uduaghan administration over 7-years ago, while the sum of N200million budgeted annually for the past three years seems to perpetually vanish into thin air. The Centre has the capacity to accommodate 100 patients at any given time
Delta state Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu Monday, while addressing journalists in Warri failed to provide answers as to why the state government did not use the Covid 19 pandemic opportunity to complete the Centre while.
On Covid-19, Mr. Aniagwu emphasised that it was real and urge the media to enlighten the people more on the need to adopt government set protocols to curb the virus.
According to him, Covid-19 will impact negatively on the economy of the State with attendant loss in revenue as much money is being spent in managing cases of the pandemic.
“As at today, we have 83 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with 17 discharged cases and eight deaths; we do not pray to have more cases of Covid-19 and the media should assist us to educate the public that Covid-19 is real and can kill.
He said there are well equipped hospitals in the state and more health facilities are being set up and equipped not really because of Covid-19 but, as you are aware, as ongoing projects of the government before the advent of Covid-19.
“The contributory health insurance policy is on and while we have more than 800, 000 Deltans who have enrolled, we desire full coverage for all Deltans so that our people who have health challenges should not suffer because they do not have immediate cash at hand.
“Our Governor is passionate about the health of Deltans and is also committed to meeting with his electoral promises and we can see what is going on with the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency.
“A lot of roads have been completed and a lot are still being constructed. Work has gone far on the Section A, Section C1 and C2 of the Ughelli/Asaba road project; the Warri Trans Ode-Itsekiri bridge has also reached advanced stage, with several others being constructed across the state.
“We are on course and as we approach 2023, government will not be distracted and will continue to do those things it has promised to achieve.
“Every of our statements is backed by verifiable facts and I appeal to you to always verify your facts before going to press,” the commissioner said.
The Commissioner explained that the setting up “Operation Delta Hawk” would not stop the state from participating actively in the proposed security outfit for South-South under the auspices of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED) Commission.
He said while “Operation Delta Hawk” would concentrate mainly on internal security of the state, regional security outfit would tackle security issues in the region. He also stated that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration was committed to ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.
The Commissioner who was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the fight against the virus should be collective for it to be successfully eliminated in the state.
“We are here, first to show our appreciation for the enormous support the government has enjoyed from you in showcasing our modest achievements to our people and those in the diaspora about the activities of government from 2015 till date.
On his part, the chief press secretary thanked the media for being responsible in their reportage, assuring that Okowa’s administration was open for people to verify their stories. “We should show responsibility of balancing our story at all times.
