Enugu Government Approves N100m for “Neighbourhood Watch”

The Enugu State Government has approved N100 million for equipping of local security outfit called “Neighbourhood Watch” for effective policing of rural communities in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, made this known in Enugu on Friday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting.

The commissioner said that the money was approved by the executive council, and would be used to purchase torch lights, uniforms, raincoats and boots as well as for the upkeep of the group members.

He said that the council also approved the composition of a peace committee between communities and herdsmen aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the state.

He said that N341.7 million was also approved for the execution of some priority projects, including the completion of the state diagnostic centre, subject to due process certification.

Other approvals made by the council, according to him, include N50 million counterpart funds for the World Bank-assisted Community Support Development Projects (CSDP) in the state.

“This project would enable the state benefit from the $140 million additional financing from the World Bank for the projects in the communities across the state,” he said.

Udeuhele said that the state government took steps to extend electricity to some rural communities at an approved cost of N75.6 million.

He also announced that the government had approved the convening of a town hall meeting on water to seek ways of addressing lingering potable water problem in the state.