Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has assured of the readiness of the State Legislature to enact laws that will improve Local government administration in the State.
Deputy Chairman of the committee, Hon. Alfred Martins stated this in Asaba at the conclusion of a public hearing on a bill for a law to amend the Delta State Local Government law 2013.
Hon. Martins who is Deputy Chief Whip of the House, disclosed that although the amendment bill is an executive bill, the committee will look into the amendment sought particularly section 62 sub section 1 and 2 of the principal law, seeking the establishment of Local Government WASH Departments across the 25 Local government areas of Delta State.
The Lawmaker representing Warri North Constituency noted that introduction of a new department will no doubt strengthen local government administration thereby creating more room for development at the grassroot.
Flanked by other members of the committee including Honourables Augustine Uroye, James Augoye, Emmanuel Sinebe and Isaac Anwuzia, the Deputy Chairman maintained that the committee will consider all memoranda, input from all stakeholders and make recommendations to the house for further legislative consideration.
He said: “I want to assure Deltans that the State Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt Hon Guwor will pass bills that will improve Local government administration in our dear State”.
“We will consider all memoranda and input received from stakeholders at the public hearing and make our report and recommendations to the house for further legislative action”.
In an interview, representative of ALGON Delta State and Chairman, Oshimili North Local Government Council, Hon. Innocent Esewenze said the amendment bill seeks to enhance the capacity of the 25 Local Government Councils in Delta State and therefore assured that the leadership of ALGON as well as council Chairmen are in support of the executive bill.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for taking the initiative to amend the existing law thereby creating room for development and employment opportunities at the grassroot.
Hon. Esewenze said: “It is a bill that will help the smooth running of our councils. It will also enhance the capacity of the 25 councils in Delta State. Therefore the leadership of ALGON Delta State and 25 Council Chairmen are in support of the bill because we know it will bring a lot of positive change into the local government system”.