Backlog of Delta LGs’ Salary: It may not be possible to assist councils —Okowa

Amidst cries by local government councils in Delta State over backlog of salaries, the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has stated categorically that it will be difficult for the state government to bail out the councils from their financial crisis due to the paucity of funds confronting the state.

Okowa, who spoke at a town hall meeting with the people of 12 out of the 25 local governments said that initially, when the state government was buoyant, it was possible to assist councils with grants, adding that with the present economic downturn, it was not possible to do so as expected.

The governor made the clarification, following avalanche of criticisms that he was insensitive to local government financial predicaments.

While bemoaning the financial challenges at the councils where some owe salaries up to nine months, he attributed it to bloated staff strength which he said has become the bane of councils.

He advised the various councils to intensify their internally generated revenue for more funds, stressing that it was not possible for the state government to assist them.

On health, the governor said the contributory health insurance scheme of the state would provide a pool of fund to ensure that residents have access to quality healthcare facilities.

“The health insurance scheme will assist Nigerians. By paying some premium, people will have access to good health care. It has worked in many places and it will be in our best interest to key into the programme.”

Governor Okowa disclosed that his administration had insured vulnerable people in Delta State to enable them benefit from the scheme being run by the state.

“For the vulnerable people, government is taking care of the premium of children who are five years and below, also pregnant women. Once our resources improves, we will capture the elderly,” Governor Okowa said.

While noting that plans were in final stages on how to capture civil servants in the state, Governor Okowa called on the informal sector to key into the insurance scheme.