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Hope Ikwe, in Jos
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State appointed 23 commissioners on Monday and immediately began seeking ways of ensuring efficient financial management and transparency in the state.
At the swearing in ceremony of the newly appointed commissioners, the governor stated that “in order to ensure consistency and faithful implementation of projects and programmes of government, the Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit to be headed by the chief of staff has been created in line with the recommendations of the State Strategic Development Plan. The unit is to ensure that the state gets value for money and to track the implementation of all Projects and Programmes”.
“As part of our efforts to deepen transparency and ensure the prudent management of scarce resources, I have approved the setting up of a Liquidity Management Committee. This will ensure that budgetary provisions and approvals, efficient financial management and adequate project financing are built into our governance system. This is consistent with the best practices in line with our strategic plan,” he said.
Lalong who admitted that he discouraged every lobby and influence to personally select the commissioners said “I am going to drive you so hard and hold you to the highest standards as you carry out your assignments to ensure we achieve tangible results”.
One of the areas the administration is concentrating on is health facilities such as the Trauma Hospital in Riyom, which is expected to be in operation by next month, hospitals in Kanke and Mabudi of Langtang South, which are expected be completed and in operation before April, next year.
“In achieving these, you are expected to ensure good synergy and working cooperation with your permanent secretaries, directors and other support staff in the machinery of government towards successful implementation of programmes and projects,” he said.
Lalong who said the government has engaged the services of professionals in a bid to increase revenue generation in the state, complete ongoing projects and create more jobs for women and youths, said: “Waste management and refuse evacuation is also another area that requires urgent attention. I am directing the ministry of environment to immediately rid the capital city of Jos and other urban areas of waste dumps in the interim, and also set in motion a concrete and sustainable waste disposal mechanisms that will involve all stakeholders and the private sector”.
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