Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has decried scarcity of water and lack of functional security at the state secretariat, where civil servants operate.
The governor made the observations, yesterday, during the inspection and tour of the secretariat, situated along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. Fubara was accompanied by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nweke, and permanent secretaries in the state.
The Guardian had, in the past, observed and reported the poor condition of the secretariat, which lacked electricity, water supply, furniture, office and toilet facilities. Workers sometimes buy water from their pocket.
Addressing the workers, who expressed happiness at his visit, Fubara said his administration would pay attention to their welfare. The governor, in a statement by His Special Assistant on Media, Boniface Onyedi, noted that the state government had previously spent much money on water supply to the secretariat, which has not been justified. He called for investigation into how the funds were utilised.
He charged the workers to be committed to their duties, saying indolence and nonchalant attitudes would not be condoned. Earlier, Fubara held a meeting with the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt with a charge to reorganise the state civil service for greater efficiency.
Briefing the press shortly after the meeting, the Head of Service, Dr. George Nweke, said the meeting provided an avenue for permanent secretaries to intimate the governor with how to improve the civil service.
The Head of Service and permanent secretaries assured the governor of their commitment to strengthening the state workforce through effective mobilisation of workers.
They applauded the governor for his charge, renewed hope and consideration for the welfare of Civil Servants in the state.
