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From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has approved the release of N237,000,000 as the cost of remodelling the Afouzo Market, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area, awarded to Crystal Dove Construction Company Ltd.
It also approved the release of the sum of N402,830,000 for the supply of routine ante-natal medicines and associated services for the state government’s free ante-natal and delivery services initiative, awarded to Jessy Pharmaceutical Company Ltd and Award Global Company Ltd.
Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, in a statement, said that the approvals were part of the resolutions reached at the ANSEC’s 3rd meeting, held on Monday, at the LightHouse, Awka.
The Council also approved “a forthcoming law” to prescribe standards and minimum conduct for administrators of both public and private primary and secondary schools in the state.
“The law will curb exploitative and arbitrary levies, unnecessary ceremonies, and the practice of barring students from reusing textbooks”, he said.
“The resolutions reflect Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to building a liveable and prosperous Anambra through infrastructure, law and order, environmental protection, and human capital development.”
The council expressed concern over the devastating impacts of erosion in the state, saying that the enforcement of the state environmental laws would commence soon in the state.
“Erosion was, again, identified as the number one existential threat to Anambra State”, he pointed out.
“The Council attributed much of the damage caused by erosion to human factors, including stormwater from homes channelled into roads, building on flood channels, and indiscriminate felling of trees without replacement.
“To address this, the council resolved to enforce the state environment law, which mandates every home to construct a catch-pit to reduce stormwater runoff to protect roads.”
Going further, the council also resolved to sustain the flagship policies of the Soludo administration, particularly free education and free ante-natal care, plus free delivery for pregnant women. It said that the decision aligns with the administration’s inclusive governance agenda that prioritises care for the underserved.
The information commissioner revealed that the Council also approved the introduction of a school adoption programme in the state to support schools to grow and develop.
“Under the initiative, well-to-do individuals and corporate organisations will adopt schools in the state. This will allow schools to benefit from the experience, expertise, and resources of adopters.
“The programme falls under the Public-Private-Community Partnership of the Soludo administration, known also as “Soludozie Anambra”, the statement added.
In addition, ANSEC also said that the government’s market regeneration would continue, noting that markets remain the largest sector of the state’s economy.
“To ensure clean, green, planned, and sustainable communities, markets and cities, the regeneration of markets will continue.
“The Council expressed concern about traders who cross barricades to display their wares on roads, causing traffic obstructions and safety hazards. As part of the measures to address this, some markets will be relocated and walled off from major roads”, the commissioner added.
Mefor said that ANSEC reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development through new resolutions and projects to boost the economy, protect the environment, and improve educational standards.
