Debt, Low Revenue Delay Projects in Ughelli South LGA

The Ughelli South Local Government Council has raised concerns over delays in development projects, pointing to inadequate funding and lingering debts as major setbacks. Council Chairman, Lucky Avweromre, spoke on Tuesday while inspecting over 35 ongoing projects and inaugurating three 300KVA transformers in Otu-Jeremi and Ekakpamre.

According to him, the council’s finances are stretched, with a large share allocated to the payment of teachers’ salaries and other workers, alongside commitments to clear debts left behind by previous administrations. The situation, he said, has made it difficult to initiate fresh projects.

Even with these limitations, the council has recorded interventions in key sectors including housing, road infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture, though the pace has been slower than anticipated.

Delta State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Kelly Kalanama Penawou, acknowledged the council’s efforts and urged communities to take responsibility for protecting public assets. Community leader, Jacob Abitor, appreciated the provision of the transformers and assured they would be safeguarded, as residents called for increased development across the area.