Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to establish a fully equipped hospital in Etche Local Government Area before the end of his administration.
Fubara made the pledge while speaking at the commissioning of the newly reconstructed 12.1-kilometre Egwi-Afara-Mba Road in Etche.
The governor commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Boniface Njoku Chima, for his efforts in providing electricity and ensuring the security of lives and property in the area.
He said the provision of basic social services and the protection of lives and property remained key responsibilities of government.
Fubara also appreciated the traditional chiefs in Etche for their warm reception despite the absence of the Onyishi of Etche, the paramount ruler of the kingdom.
Responding to requests from community leaders, particularly the demand for a functional healthcare facility, the governor promised that his administration would build a modern hospital to cater to the healthcare needs of the people.
He noted that his administration had successfully reconstructed zonal hospitals in Bori, Ahoada, Omoku and Degema, adding that Etche remained one of the areas yet to benefit significantly from such intervention.
“The only one that we have not done much is that of Etche. Let me promise you here and now that by the special grace of God, before we exit, there will be a standard hospital that can cater for the people of Etche, take care of the people of Omuma until when further medical services will be provided at the primary level,” he said.
The governor also assured residents that their request for the reconstruction of the dilapidated Mba-Ndashi Road would be considered, with appropriate measures taken to address its condition.
He urged the people of Etche to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
