Monday Onyeme, deputy governor of Delta State, charged members of the state’s boundary committee on Wednesday to ensure quick intervention whenever there is an issue relating to boundaries between communities to prevent a full-blown crisis.

Onyeme gave the charge in Asaba at the inaugural meeting of the Delta State Boundary Committee.

According to him, “Boundary matters are very sensitive and require appropriate attention as they arise so as to prevent such from escalating into full blown crisis that could lead to breakdown of law and order.

“Since the assumption of office, a lot of communities in our state have requested the intervention of the Boundary Committee in their boundary issues; this shows that they have confidence in the ability of the government to proffer solutions to their challenges and this made it such that we must ensure quick intervention whenever such issues arise to ensure that there is peaceful coexistence in all parts of our state.”

The Deputy Governor, who also serves as the Chairman of the Committee, told members of the committee about what is expected of them.

He disclosed that the committee is “to deal with inter-local government boundary disputes within the state with a view to resolving them;

“To monitor border relations with neighbouring states and between local government areas with the state with a view to detecting areas of tension and possible conflicts and take necessary measures to address them;

“To liaise with the boundary committee of neighbouring states with a view to taking joint measures to promote cordial inter-communal and inter-state relationship;

“To constantly evaluate the developmental needs of the border areas and advise government accordingly;

“To source for and protect all boundary marks including beacons, angle irons or pillars of any nature in place for the purpose of demarcating the boundaries;

“To encourage and promote joint inter-communal development ventures among border dwellers;

“To encourage negotiated settlement of boundary disputes and other issues;

“To monitor and co-ordinate the activities of local government boundary committees within the states and deal with disputes beyond the competence of the said committees; and

“To interact with the zonal liaison officers of the National Boundary Commission in the area.”(BUSINESS DAY)