The Society for Water and Sanitation in Ebonyi has called on civil society organisations and the private sector to increase their engagement with the state government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organisation, a coalition of 30 NGOs and civil society groups, made the appeal in a communiqué issued on Friday in Abakaliki after its meeting.
The communique was signed by Dr Kelechi Okezie, its National Secretary, Rev. Sis. Cecilia Aja, State Coordinator, Mr Oliver Aja, among others.
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It said that the coalition during the meeting reviewed and commended the efforts and steps taken by the state government in containing the virus and preventing it from spreading into Ebonyi.
It called for increased collaboration and engagement among non-state actors and private sector to check the spread of the pandemic.
The coalition in the 13-point communiqué said that it was committed to playing key roles as well as complementing the efforts of Ebonyi government in its commitment and decisive action in combating the scourge.
The communiqué read in part: “That the coalition commends the untiring efforts of state government in protecting the lives of citizens and residents against the dreaded virus.
“That the organisation applauds Gov. Dave Umahi and state government COVID-19 committee for proactively putting in place the world Health Organization (WHO) comprehensive package measures to contain the pandemic in Ebonyi.
“We appeal to citizens and residents of the state to remain law-abiding and to support all efforts of government in containing and preventing the virus in the state.
“We recognise the social and economic challenges some of these measures pose to the people, and we call on our people to have faith in the government and to remain resolute in their faith that this pandemic will soon be over.
“We laud the state government’s aggressive public awareness campaigns, early establishment and equipping of isolation centres, regular media briefings, fumigation of public places and timely closure of state borders.
“We also commend the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew put in place by the government in spite non-index case in the state.
“We appeal to the state government to provide welfare palliatives to indigents and vulnerable persons and create food banks across the state to support the less privileged.
“`We appeal to security agencies and community vigilantes to intensify efforts in combating crime as people stay at home.
“The coalition appeals for the respect of human rights of citizens by state actors because nothing justifies human rights violation under any guise.’’
The coalition further commended groups and individuals who had donated funds and materials to support the government in its fight against the virus.
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