Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Government has rejected 10 vehicles donated by ExxonMobil for use in the fight against COVID19 in the state, describing the vehicles as too old and used.
Recall that ExxonMobil last Friday, announced that it has donated two ambulances for emergency cases and 20 other vehicles, COVID-19 test kits, sample collection kits and hospital beds, valued at N90million to Akwa Ibom and Rivers State Governments.
Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Charles Udoh, said the decision was taken at the State COVID-19 Committee meeting, following an evaluation of the vehicles and other donations to the state, by the oil company.
Udoh disclosed that the state, however, accepted the two ambulances and 20 hospital beds also donated by the oil multinational, despite the items being below standard.
“The vehicles are considered too old and not in good enough operational conditions to withstand the rigors of contact tracing which they were meant to serve.
“However, The state government has accepted the two ambulances and 20 hospital beds also donated by the oil company, despite the fact that the ambulances are converted buses while the beds are below the standard of those currently in secondary healthcare facilities in the state.
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“The Akwa Ibom State Government appreciates the continued support of corporate bodies and private individuals who have so far made cash or other materials donations towards the fight against COVID-19 in the state.
“Citizens and Residents are advised to continue to maintain prescribed safety protocols.”
