By Dogara Musa, Doma

The Doma Local Government Legislative Council in Nasarawa State has approved a supplementary budget of N180,447,100.02 for the construction of two anti-snakebite clinics in the area.

The approval was granted during plenary on Monday, following a formal request from the Executive Chairman of Doma Local Government Council Hon. Jonathan Okuba Addra JP for legislative backing to establish the specialized health facilities.

Presiding over the session, the Speaker of the Council and Councillor representing Akpanaja Ward, Hon. Fidelis Adagowuso, said the Council received an executive correspondence seeking approval for the construction of two clinics in Doma North and Doma South constituencies.

According to him, the projects are estimated to cost One Hundred and Eighty Million, Four Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, One Hundred Naira, Two Kobo (N180,447,100.02).

Adagowuso disclosed that the Committee of the Whole thoroughly scrutinized the supplementary budget and deemed the intervention necessary to provide timely and life-saving treatment for vulnerable residents, especially farmers, who are prone to snakebite incidents.

He described the initiative as laudable, noting that it demonstrates the Chairman’s commitment to accountability and judicious utilization of public funds, including the EFCC refund, and assured that the legislature will ensure accelerated consideration and effective oversight.

Earlier, the House adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole after the Majority Leader and Councillor representing Sabon-Gari Ward, Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad Sani, moved a motion for the passage of the supplementary budget.

The motion was seconded by the Councillor representing Madaki Ward, Hon. Blessing Idasho.

The two clinics are to be sited in Galadima Ward (Doma North Constituency) and Agbashi Ward (Doma South Constituency).

Doma LGA, particularly the riverine and agrarian communities of Agbashi, Alagye, and Rukubi axis, has for years recorded one of the highest cases of snakebite incidents in Nasarawa State due to its thick vegetation and farming activities.

Victims often travel several hours to get anti-snake venom at tertiary hospitals in Lafia or Makurdi, leading to avoidable deaths.

The establishment of dedicated anti-snakebite clinics is expected to drastically reduce mortality, improve emergency healthcare response, and bring specialized care closer to rural dwellers.