The Chairman of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Osaro Eribo, has praised the Federal Government and Governor Monday Okpebholo over the release of monthly allocations and the operational freedom granted to local councils in the state.
Eribo stated that the funds received monthly from the federal allocation are sufficient to effectively run the affairs of the council.
He spoke to journalists in his office after receiving construction equipment jointly acquired by the 18 local government councils for infrastructure development. The machines include a truck, payloader and grader intended for construction and other projects within the councils.
According to him, the allocation received by his administration has enabled the payment of workers’ salaries and allowances, as well as the execution of two new projects every month.
He said, “When they talk about autonomy, I don’t think there is anything more to describe that other than what we are experiencing currently.
“I get my monthly allowance from the FG as at when due and based on that, there is no month I have not been able to embark on two projects and pay salaries. Is that not autonomy already? So what we are getting from the state governor is enough to work for the people
“What I get now is okay. When I came, there were no projects to monitor but I have been getting an allocation from the federal government which is enough for me to work.”
On the newly acquired equipment, the chairman expressed optimism that it would reduce the cost of hiring machinery and accelerate road grading across the remaining wards in the council area.
He added, “I will say I am the happiest person when it comes to the issue of this equipment. I can tell you that the Egor local government is the only one that has graded roads in seven of the 10 wards before these equipment came.
“I have been able to employ three operators, two weeks ago when I knew the equipment was coming. They have over 28 years of experience each. We have also made arrangements on where good diesel will be bought.
“I have graded more than 250 roads in collaboration with councillors, ward chairman and community leader who identify the roads that need urgent attention in their ward. And they are also present when the jobs are being done. The wards remaining to be reached are 7, 9 and 10 and we will commence work in those wards as soon as the equipment has been serviced.”
