Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara says that his administration will begin the upgrading and equipping of Oro General Hospital within the next quarter.
AbdulRazaq made the disclosure in Oro town on Tuesday, while commiserating with victims of Monday’s inferno at Oro central market, in which no fewer than 30 shops got burnt.
He said that the upgrade of the health facility would build public confidence in the hospital and make healthcare more accessible to the people.
The governor added that government would also supply modern equipment and other required facilities to make it functional, to the satisfaction of people of the area.
“I have come to see firsthand; to know what the real issues are, as a follow-up to the visit I had made to this place before. Now, it is time to actualise our plans for the general hospital.
“It is going to be expensive but we will start within the next quarter and ensure that people of Oro get more dividends of democracy.
“I thank members of staff of the hospital; they have been dedicated despite the challenges.
“Going to two years now, we have fixed infrastructure in education, road and health sectors, especially in primary healthcare.
“So, we need to move to secondary and tertiary healthcare now. This hospital is one of those serving many communities in the state,” he said.
According to the governor, the wards will first of all be renovated and put into a livable condition.
“We will also increase the number of staffers and build confidence, so that members of this community can make use of the hospital instead of going to Omu-Aran or Ofa.
“We will make things work here by giving the hospital the right equipment.
“We will also provide imaging equipment and make sure the pharmacy is working, with right power supply,” he said.
Earlier, the governor had inspected Oro central market, where he directed the state emergency agency to get the data of the victims and the extent of damage, to determine government’s support.
“We have set the state emergency management agency in motion to take enumeration. We will mitigate the loss for the individuals who have lost property.
“The incident is quite unfortunate and we stand by the victims at this trying period,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq commended the people of Oro kingdom for always coming together to offer communal support at every stage of their development.
Responding, the Eesa of Oro, High Chief Taye Otunola, who spoke on behalf of the king, said that the community remained grateful for the prompt intervention of the governor, less than 24 hours after the incident.
“We are happy to receive you here today. This visit again shows how committed you are to the plight of the masses and the entire people of the state.
“Oro community is solidly behind your administration. We will continue to support you,” he said.
The Iyaloja of Oro, Mulikat Jimoh, also commended the governor for his prompt visit and sought more support to market men and women in the community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also inspected Kwara State College of Education and Iludun-Oro Waterworks.
NAN also reports that AbdulRazaq was accompanied by a member of the state House of Assembly, Mr Felix Awodiji, Chairman, Irepodun Local Government Transition Committee, Jide Oyinloye and Chairman, Government Task Force on Environment, AbdulRazaq Jiddah, amongst others. (NAN)
