By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Kaduna state government says that 210,000 households will benefit from a special palliative program in the state.
Muhammad Lawal Shehu, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Sani said that the intervention became necessary to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and revealed that so far, the sum of N2b has been released to the Kaduna State Government.
According to the statement, the governor earlier convened a stakeholders meeting comprising Government Officials, representatives of trade unions, persons living with disabilities, market and transport unions, and the private sector, amongst others.
“The meeting was essentially convened to agree on the methodology for the utilization of the palliative funds received from the Federal Government.”
The recommendation, which will be implemented in three phases will see to the distribution of food items to households with special consideration given to people living with disabilities, widows, and the elderly.
“Where applicable, other poor and vulnerable households, orphanages, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)Camps, will also be given special attention.
“A Committee headed by Local Government Chairmen, comprising of LGA staff, organized labor, representatives of the private sector, faith-based organizations, youth, and women organizations would be constituted and charged with the responsibility for planning and distribution of palliatives at the LGA level, including identification of beneficiaries as stipulated.”
He further announced plans to introduce subsidized road transportation on major routes with a high number of commuters within Kaduna metropolis, Zaria and Kafanchan, procurement of fertilizers and its distribution to small-holder farmers across Kaduna state, financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium Businesses through the Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company (KMDMC) and Kaduna Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA).
“For the 3rd Phase, the Governor explained that his administration is making efforts to resuscitate the Locomotive Train from Zaria to Kaduna, and from Sabon Tasha to Kafanchan in a bid to provide citizens with affordable means of transportation.
“While calling on the citizens to give maximum support and cooperation to the Implementation Committee to ensure a seamless exercise, the Governor warned that, “the full weight of the law will be visited on anyone who attempts to divert the palliatives meant for the people or tries to disrupt the exercise,” the statement said.
The governor equally assured that a monitoring committee would be constituted for each LGA to guarantee transparency in the conduct of the exercise and to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are reached.
