Lagos — Anambra State Government has presented a cheque of N2.5 million each to the 177 communities of the state for palliative work on community roads and security programmes.

Governor Peter Obi, who presented the cheques totaling N442.5 million during an interactive session with stakeholders at the Women Development Centre, Awka explained that of the amount N1.5 million is for palliative work projects, while N 1 million is for security programmes.

Obi also announced that before the end of the year, government would also distribute cheques for the rebuilding of structures in schools, which government is executing in partnership with the various communities, while directing them to select schools with highest pupils population for the kick-off of the project.

He maintained that it was unacceptable to have collapsed and dilapidated structures in primary and secondary schools, stating that government would continue to accord education its rightful position in the development of the state.

The governor, who charged traditional rulers and town union executives to join hands with government to entrench effective security network across the state, noted that peace and stability could only be achieved if all hands were on deck to address the ills of the society.

Obi also said government would soon launch one of the biggest micro-credit schemes that would empower the less privilege individuals and socio-economic disadvantaged communities through micro-finance banks with the active participation of traditional rulers and town union executives.

He said government would also buy more tractors to promote agricultural activities while rural farmers would further be empowered with motor-cycles.The governor disclosed that a private company has donated ten brand new refuse disposal trucks to the state, which would arrive by the first quarter of next year.

According to him, the Nkpor-Amawbia road, Oba-Nnewi road and Awkuzu-Igbariam-Adani road among others have been awarded for reconstruction.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Dubem Obaze said the session was organised to inform stakeholders of activities of government so far.