By Joseph Edegbo –
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has received Report of the Committee set up to review the establishment of Development Areas in Plateau State.
Members of the Committee were received on behalf of the Governor by Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) Prof Danladi Abok Atu who appreciated the Chairman and Members of the Committee for the successful execution of their assignment.
Prof. Atu said the creation of Development Areas in Plateau State is of great importance to the Governor as it constitutes part of his philosophy of inclusive governance which presents the grassroots with an opportunity to directly be involved in governing process.
Prof Atu informed the committee about the recent release of reports on the newly created Districts and Chiefdoms were announced during the week. He said both Districts and Development Areas are very critical as they will help in improving security as well as promoting development in the rural areas.
The SGS then assured the committee that the report will not just rest on the shelf, as the Government will study it and implement its recommendations.
Chairman of the Committee, Mr Litta Dafan Shindai expressed the appreciation of the committee to the Executive Governor of Plateau State for finding them worthy to carry out the very crucial assignment.
Mr. Shindai stated that bringing development nearer to the people and the people nearer to Government as well as the provision of social services that will have a direct bearing on the lives of the citizens of the state will be possible with the creation of the Development Areas.
The Committee was set up on the 23rd of April 2021 by Governor Simon Lalong and was inaugurated on the 7th of May 2021 by the SGS.
Among other things, the Committe made the following recommendations:
1. The creation of an additional three (3) Development Areas to be added to the Fifty-two (52) earlier set aside by the previous administration, bringing the total to Fifty-five (55).
2. That a sustainable fiscal policy is adopted thus:
i. 10% of the State Gross Statutory Allocation be allocated to Development Areas on monthly basis for capital projects.
ii. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) realized by the Development areas should be shared on an agreed determinable ratio between the Local Government Councils and Development Areas.
iii. The Local Government Council Law 2018 should be amended to accommodate suggestions 1&2 above.
3. The appointment of people with reputable character to manage the affairs of Local Government Development Areas.
The process for the creation of Development Areas is in compliance with provisions of the Local Government law, 2018 particularly sections 60 & 61.
