BENIN CITY – THE Chairman of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State Osaro Eribo yesterday lauded the federal government and Governor Monday Okpebholo on the way local government funds were being released and how the state government is allowing them to operate.
Eribo said that what his council gets as monthly allocation from the federal purse is adequate to run the council.
The chairman spoke to journalists in office after receiving construction machines consisting of truck, payloader and a grader the 18 councils jointly purchased for construction and other uses in the local areas.
He said that allocation to his council enables him to pay workers salaries and allowances and embark on 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.
Speaking on the equipment, Eribo said he is the luckiest chairman as he will be able to grade roads in the three remaining wards without hiring equipment at exorbitant rates.
He assured the people that they will see the impact of the equipment as he would work more for his people.
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.”
