He also lamented the vandalism of local government properties by hoodlums, attributing some of these challenges to the paucity of funds.
By TheInvestigator
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Dr Fred Okem has called on the state government to establish the Yala Urban Development Authority (YUDA) to address critical Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and socio-economic challenges facing the area.
Dr Okem, who spoke to journalists after day one of the inauguration of the Local Task Group on WASH (LTG – WASH) in Yala, highlighted the urgency of his appeal.
The LGA, which comprises 14 wards, was said to be long overdue for the establishment of Yala Urban Development Authority.
He emphasized that the establishment of YUDA would not only enhance sanitation efforts but also create employment opportunities for the youth.
“The creation of the Yala Urban Development Authority will not only provide the function of sanitation but will also create employment for our teeming youths,” the chairman stated. “The appointment of the Secretary as an executive officer, alongside other sub-directors, will empower our young people and improve local governance.”
Dr Okem outlined several pressing issues plaguing the local government, including inadequate water supply, poor road networks, and security challenges. He stressed the urgent need for infrastructural development, particularly in providing access roads for farmers to transport their produce to markets.
“Our road network is so bad. We need to develop our roads to give access to our people, especially our farmers, to enable them to evacuate their farm produce to the market,” Dr Okem explained.
He also lamented the vandalism of local government properties by hoodlums, attributing some of these challenges to the paucity of funds.