COVID-19: Anambra Commences Distribution Of Rice To Communities

Anambra State Government has commenced distribution of bags of rice to the 181 communities in the state.

This is in line with Gov. Willie Obiano’s promise to distribute rice to senior citizens aged 70 and above in every community to cushion the effects of sit-at-home order occasioned by threat of the present COVID-19 pandemic.

Not less than 15 communities across the three Senatorial Zones would receive 200 bags, five bags of salt and eight cartons of tin tomatoes each in the first phase.

Distributing the largesse, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Greg Obi, explained that the state government had mapped out the modalities in accordance with the Governor’s directive to ensure transparency.

According to the Commissioner, the distribution will be done in every community in the presence of Project Monitoring and Management Office (PMMO) team, the House Member representing the Local Government Area, Presidents-General, Women Leaders and other personalities designated for the purpose.

“This is one of the packages initiated by Gov. Obiano to cushion the effects of sit-at-home order.

“Already, all presidents-general presented their lists and we have them at hand,’’ Obi said.

He urged the general public to maintain social distancing and observe every necessary measure as directed by government, geared toward fighting the deadly Coronavirus.

Director-General, PMMO, Mr Obumneme Akunyili re-assured of high level of transparency and proper accountability in the distribution of the largesse.

Mr Akunyili emphasised that his office had instructed every PG to inform them appropriately and in time, the date mapped out for their distribution, to enable them to witness the exercise.

PG, Anambra State Association of Town Unions, (ASATU), Mr Alex Onukwue, noted that the rice would go a long way in mitigating the effects of the present situation.

While praying for God’s intervention in the world, Onukwue re-assured of transparency in the distribution of the rice. (MOI)