The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing local government administration in the state through legislation. This assurance was made by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Alfred Martins, during a public hearing in Asaba on the proposed amendment to the Delta State Local Government Law of 2013.
Hon. Martins, who also serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, highlighted the significance of the amendment, which is an executive bill aimed at establishing Local Government WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Departments across the 25 local government areas of Delta State. He explained that the amendment, particularly to Section 62, Subsections 1 and 2 of the principal law, is designed to create a new department to enhance grassroots governance and spur development.
According to Hon. Martins, the initiative reflects the State Legislature’s determination to pass laws that strengthen local governance. “This amendment will not only improve local government administration but also open avenues for grassroots development,” he noted.
The Deputy Chairman, flanked by committee members including Honourables Augustine Uroye, James Augoye, Emmanuel Sinebe, and Isaac Anwuzia, assured stakeholders that their inputs and memoranda would be thoroughly reviewed. “We will consider all submissions and make comprehensive recommendations to the House for legislative action. Under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Guwor, we are committed to passing bills that will transform local government administration in Delta State,” Martins stated.
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In his remarks, Hon. Innocent Esewenze, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council and representative of ALGON Delta State, expressed strong support for the bill. He emphasized that the proposed amendments would significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of local councils.
“This amendment will ensure smoother operations in the councils while creating opportunities for growth and employment at the grassroots level,” Esewenze said, commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his forward-thinking approach.
The bill, once passed, is expected to bolster local governance structures and empower councils across the state, marking a new era of development for Delta’s grassroots communities.
