Delta releases funds for water, sanitation project

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Tuesday announced the release of N100 million as counterpart funding for the United Nation’s Children Education Fund (UNICEF) water and sanitation programmes in the state.

The governor, who made the disclosure when Mr Wilbroad Ngambi, Head, UNICEF Field Office, South South Geo-Political Zone, paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba, said the second installment of N100 million would be released soon.

He said that in spite of the economic challenges, his administration would continue to engage in activities that will make life meaningful for the people.

“As part of our partnership with UNICEF on the water and sanitation programmes, we have released N100 million as our counterpart fund and within the next few weeks, we will release another N100 million,” and explained that the poor economic situation delayed the releases.

“We have noted the areas which you have intervened and still intervening in the state, especially, issues concerning maternal and child health care.

“We hope to stay strong in our partnership with you for the development and benefits of our people, we promise to do our best to release funds within our limits,” Okowa said.

He commended UNICEF for its programmes and explained that the state has over 400 primary healthcare centres across the 25 local government areas.

The government, he said, would continue to support the local governments to make the centres functional and responsive to the health needs of the people.

“When the health insurance act is properly implemented, the partnership between the federal, state and local government would ensure the improvement and equipping of the primary health centres in the state.

“It will also, ensure support for the very vulnerable and the poor in the society,” he said.

Earlier, Ngambi said that UNICEF would continue to partner with the government of Delta to protect the rights of the children, strengthen immunization, maternal and child health care.

He said that UNICEF’s programmes would include family planning and strengthening access to safe water and sanitation services in the state