In a concerted effort to reinvigorate and reposition Mikang, the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali FCA, has inaugurated a 6-man high-powered needs assessment committee to lay the foundation for the growth and long-term development of the locality.
The chairman inaugurated the committee members on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the local government secretariat in Tunkus, with a vow to template for a new Mikang.
According to the chairman, he received overwhelming love from the people of Mikang in the just-concluded election, and he is not going to play with such a golden opportunity but will judiciously use the resources available in revamping all the sectors in Mikang.
Dr. Benard noted that, though he came on board with his vision and mission, the needs assessment became necessary in order not to execute projects that will not meet the pressing needs of the people; as such, the need to engage them and allow them to point out their pressing needs arises.
The committee, which will be headed by Dr. Daniel Gobgap, includes Mr. Idris Mutyil, Mr. Maurice Pianput, Mr. Bitrus Nda, Vincent Meyil and Loyi Dauda.
The committee’s primary objective, according to the council boss, is to review the five critical needs presented by each councilor from the 18 electoral wards and consolidate them into a unified plan. This will enable the council to prioritize and tackle the most pressing needs of each community.
He added that the term of reference of the committee is to harmonize the entire needs of the 18 electoral wards of the locality and also put their interests, propose major projects to be executed within the first 100 days in office, the first year in office, and the entire tenure of the administration.
Others are to make any other recommendations that will accelerate development of the local government, distinguish between projects that can be executed by the local government and others that the local government lacks the capacity to execute.
The council boss explained that the needs assessment committee is made up of technocrats who are competent, experienced, and knowledgeable people who have excelled in their various fields of endeavor and were carefully selected, not on the basis of party extraction, tribal or any other sentiments.
Dr. Benard urged members of the committee to bring their wealth of knowledge and experiences into play in the discharge of their assignment as part of their contributions to the rapid growth and development of Mikang.
In his remark, the chairman of the Needs Assessment Committee, Dr. Daniel Gobgap, applauded the foresight of the council chairman, promising to deliver on their mandate effectively by providing a blueprint that will accelerate development in Mikang.
This initiative by Dr. Benard, within his few days in office, demonstrates his commitment to effective governance that will be project-driven, people-centered, inconclusiveness and prioritize community engagement in the governing process.
The inauguration was witnessed by the council deputy chairman, Hon. Koplam Nungkat Eukuk, 18 elected councilors, and others.
