The Delta State Government has completed 12 new residential buildings for Permanent Secretaries as part of measures to improve the welfare and working conditions of civil servants in the state.
The new Permanent Secretaries’ quarters in Asaba are expected to be inaugurated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, disclosed this on Tuesday while inspecting the completed buildings ahead of the inauguration.
Emu said the housing project was part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve the welfare of civil servants, whom he described as key to the implementation of government policies and programmes.
He said the administration had introduced several measures aimed at making life easier for workers, including a three-day working arrangement, vehicle allowances, access to loans and training opportunities.
“Today, civil servants are seen doing three working days round. That’s a lot of convenience. We have paid vehicle allowances and made provisions for loans for them. We send them on training,” Emu said.
The SSG said the state had invested significantly in training and developing its workforce, adding that he personally approves training-related matters.
He said Governor Oborevwori considered civil servants important partners in governance and had prioritised their welfare because of their role in implementing government policies.
“Civil servants are friends to the government. The government loves them. Our Permanent Secretaries are driving brand new vehicles,” he said.
Giving details of the new residential complex, Emu said the project comprised 12 four-bedroom houses designed to provide comfortable accommodation for the state’s Permanent Secretaries.
He said the houses were fully air-conditioned and equipped with other essential facilities.
The complex, according to him, also has paved roads, security and a dedicated power arrangement that will provide electricity around the clock.
“There’s going to be unlimited power here, 24-7. The roads are well paved, and they are well secured,” Emu said.
The SSG described the new buildings as befitting the status of Permanent Secretaries, who are the highest-ranking officials in the state civil service.
He, however, stressed that the government’s housing programme was not limited to Permanent Secretaries.
According to him, the administration is also working on housing arrangements for other categories of civil servants through partnerships with private developers and the Federal Mortgage Bank.
Emu said the government was also making efforts to support retired and former civil servants, adding that some people who had left the service had been reintegrated into government programmes.
He said the administration would continue to introduce measures aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of workers.
The SSG maintained that the investment in civil servants was necessary because of their central role in keeping government machinery running.
“Governor Oborevwori is not just for the people. He’s even more so for the civil servants because he believes that they lay the golden eggs,” he said.
