The Anambra State Executive Council has awarded a contract of N639.83 million for developmental projects aimed at promoting economic growth and improving social services.

The information commissioner, Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement after the council meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Mefor said the council approved N237 million for the remodelling of Afouzo Market in Isuofia, Aguata LGA, and awarded the contract to Crystal Dove Construction Company Ltd.

He said the council also approved the release of N402.83 million for the supply of routine antenatal medicines and associated services under the state government’s free antenatal and delivery healthcare initiative.

According to him, the contract was awarded to Jessy Pharmaceutical Company Ltd and Award Global Company Ltd.

Mr Mefor said the approvals underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development through projects and policies designed to boost the economy, protect the environment and improve educational standards.

He said market regeneration would remain a priority because markets constituted the largest sector of the state’s economy.

“To ensure clean, green, planned and sustainable communities, markets and cities, regeneration of markets will continue.

The council expressed concern over traders who displayed wares on roads after crossing barricades, thereby causing traffic obstruction and safety hazards.

“As part of measures to address the problem, some markets will be relocated and fenced off from major roads,” he said.

The commissioner also announced that the state government would soon commence enforcement of its Catch-pit Law to address flooding and related environmental challenges.

He said the council identified erosion as the greatest existential threat facing the state and attributed much of the damage to human activities, including poor stormwater management, construction on flood channels and indiscriminate tree felling.

Mr Mefor said the government would enforce existing environmental laws requiring every household to construct catch pits to reduce stormwater runoff and protect roads and infrastructure.

On social welfare, he said the council resolved to sustain Governor Charles Soludo’s administration’s flagship policies on free education, free antenatal care and free delivery services for pregnant women.

He further disclosed that the council approved the introduction of a school adoption programme under which wealthy individuals and corporate organisations would partner with schools across the state.

According to him, the initiative will enable schools to benefit from the resources, expertise and experience of adopters through the administration’s Public-Private-Community Partnership framework.

Mr Mefor also said the council approved plans for a new law to establish standards and minimum conduct requirements for administrators of public and private primary and secondary schools.

He said the proposed legislation would address exploitative and arbitrary levies, unnecessary ceremonies and the practice of preventing students from reusing textbooks.

According to him, the council’s resolutions reflect the commitment of Mr Soludo’s administration to building a livable and prosperous state through infrastructure development, environmental protection, law and order, and human capital development.

(NAN)