Delta State Government says it is in possession of 13,800 out of the 17,400 bags of grains expected from the Federal Government, as palliatives to cushion the impact of oil subsidy removal.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, made this known in Asaba, the capital, during a meeting with state Steering Committee for Palliative Programme.
He said the state government was taking full responsibility for the palliatives, adding that the Federal Government only acted as the facilitator by extending loan to the state, which would be repaid in 20 months.
He said the 16,500 bags of maize and fertilisers, which were expected, would be allocated to poultry and fish farmers, noting that the rice was in 50kg bags.
Emu said: “The distribution of the palliatives will be through the DSIEC wards structure, i.e. 500 distribution points, as each of the 25 local governments has 20 wards.
“This is to ensure the vulnerable population in every nook and cranny of the state is reached. Distribution sub-committees have been set up for each ward and local government for effective distribution. In addition, all House of Assembly members and commissioners will monitor the activities in their domains.”
He outlined the distribution mode, explaining that 40 per cent is for general distribution (ward level), 20 per cent for poor and vulnerable households, 25 per cent as direct intervention by the state to the highly impacted, including persons living with disabilities and widows, 10 per cent as reserve to shore up urban wards and five per cent as contingency to local governments.
He said Delta State had begun distribution of palliatives by “embarking on the payment of N5.522billion promotion arrears, which started in August for four months.
“N10,000 for over 50,000 public servants, which commenced in August for three months, recruitment of 2,000 primary school teachers and non-teaching workers across the state, commencement of three working days rotational scheme for civil servants on SGL 1-14, while workers on SGL 15 and above are to work out what is convenient for them in their MDAs. However, essential duty workers must man their duty posts uninterrupted.
“Guaranteed N40billion pensions payment for local government workers, which will start this September.
“In advanced stage of discussion on the purchase of tricycles (keke) bi-fuel engine (petrol & gas), which will be distributed across the three senatorial districts; and in discussion with several organisations to provide inter and intra city commuter buses, exploring a Public Private Partnership (PPP) option.”
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