The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Arc. Ime Ekpo has called on citizens of the state to support the government in its development agenda for their overall good.

Speaking with newsmen in his office on Tuesday, 5th May, the Commissioner stressed that although the government cannot totally satisfy everybody, it was doing its best in the interest of the citizenry.

Ime Ekpo, who cautioned people of the state to desist from character assassination and defamation, charged Akwa Ibom citizens to appreciate the efforts of the government, adding that it will encourage and motivate the government towards better performances.

Speaking on the state government’s intervention measures to contain the spread of the global pandemic, Arc. Ekpo explained that the state had unknowingly prepared for the pandemic by equipping moribund hospitals and updating equipment them with state-of-arts facilities at Ikono, Ituk Mbang, Ikot Okoro, Iquita, Eket and Awa as well as the IDH in Ikot Ekpene and ISH in Uyo.

He noted further that the 300-bed isolation centre in Ituk Mbang will be ready for use in no time and will add to the already existing pool of healthcare facilities attending to COVID-19 cases in the state.

The Commissioner also lauded the state government for easing the lockdown in the state to enable people resume their economic activities as well as the disinfection of public and private places, noting that it was thoughtful and timely given the prevalent times.

Arc. Ekpo who commended also, the efforts of the state COVID-19 team, said it was important for Akwa Ibom people to abide by the safety, personal and respiratory hygienes spelt out by the team as well as the NCDC.

Speaking on the role played by his Ministry, Arc. Ime Ekpo narrated that they have ensured the availability of water for staff to wash their hands and commenced the fixing of dysfunctional boreholes across the state for the same purpose.

He also mentioned that the Ministry has adhered to the 30% staff strength required by the state government and the use of face masks and hand sanitizers.

He assured Akwa Ibomites of victory over the global scourge if they adhere to instructions and better days ahead from the Gov. Udom Emmanuel administration.