by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, healthcare and medicine, news, politics, politics and government
A Senedd committee has stated that there were shortcomings in Wales’ handling of the Covid pandemic.
The bipartisan committee stated they found nine areas needing attention.
UK-wide Covid inquiry
This necessitates further investigation into the response of the Welsh government and other public institutions.
Based on these findings, the committee aims to explore how an optimal resilience and preparedness framework for Wales can be developed.
The report is scheduled for debate at the Senedd next month, where MSs will be requested to sanction an additional investigation.
This marks the initial report from the Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee since its establishment in May 2023, tasked with identifying areas within the continuing Covid investigation that require further scrutiny specifically in Wales.
The initial
UK Covid inquiry report was published last July
And the Welsh government responded in January.
Although the Senedd committee factored in that response, they collected evidence to identify any potential gaps and collaborated with specialists from Nottingham Trent University for assistance.
The gaps are:
-
To examine the most effective resilience and readiness framework for Wales
-
To understand how responsibilities in civil emergency roles might be defined more clearly and accountability enhanced
-
Examine how data access and sharing took place.
-
Consider the effectiveness of communication of policy and guidance to the public
-
Look at civil contingencies across borders, where responsibilities are shared, unclear or complex
-
Review how leading resilience processes can be shared in Wales
-
Examine ways in which social disparities can be integrated into readiness and resilience frameworks.
-
Examine the advantages of adopting an approach specific to Wales to enhance resilience systems.
-
Consider the best way for Wales implement the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 report recommendations
Co-chairs of the special purpose committee, Tom Giffard MS and Joyce Watson MS, said the pandemic was a “painful and traumatic experience for many in Wales”.
In a statement, they said: “We are extremely grateful for the insights and experiences shared by everyone who assisted us with our work, including our public consultation and stakeholder event.
“We have detailed our conclusions and highlighted each area we believe requires further examination.”
The Senedd will be asked approve this further inquiry on 2 April.
Should agreement be reached, the committee will proceed with developing Wales-specific scrutiny initiatives, building upon the hearings conducted by the UK-wide Inquiry.
-
Initial COVID inquiry report set to highlight UK strategy shortcomings
-
Families affected by COVID-19 seek insights gained from the pandemic.
-
Families grieving over lost loved ones demand a separate COVID-19 investigation for Wales.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | crime, government, news, politics, public policy
The Housing Department must take action following the ombudsman’s appeal regarding abuses that endanger the safety of Hong Kong residents.
Public housing serves as a crucial support system for Hong Kong’s less fortunate residents. It must be safeguarded against misuse by individuals who do not qualify for this essential aid. Therefore, it is commendable to observe that the authorities have prioritized securing these facilities, such as when the ombudsman urged action against unauthorized vehicle parking across numerous public residential areas.
Ombudsman Jack Chan Jick-chi stated that his office discovered an “unsatisfactory” condition involving improperly parked vehicles on estate roads, which occasionally obstructed emergency pathways. Chan acknowledged that enforcing regulations might pose difficulties; however, he cautioned about severe repercussions if the Housing Department did not implement stricter measures.
The ombudsman recently investigated how the department managed illegal parking at the 195 public housing estates under its care. Site inspections turned up “prolonged illegal parking” by many vehicles, particularly at night. Inspections focused on complexes where vehicle barrier gates cannot be installed.
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In spite of the criticisms, several developments received commendations for their management strategies. Yau Oi Estate located in Tuen Mun garnered praise due to its implementation of traffic restrictions during non-office hours and increased law-enforcement efforts through collaboration with its mobile team and local police force. Additionally, this estate adopted immobilization tools, intensified patrolling activities, and deployed more CCTV systems along with IoT-enabled sensors to improve immediate oversight capabilities. Other property administrators were advised to elevate their standards accordingly. Consequently, these suggestions have been embraced by the relevant authorities.
Several legislators highlighted the importance of cautious implementation, such as giving notices before deploying tow trucks. This strategy could be effective during busy periods and festive seasons provided that emergency lanes remain clear. These public housing areas consist of over 780,000 homes and approximately 2 million inhabitants. Over half a million personal vehicles are registered in this urban center, where the number of newly added cars consistently exceeds the supply of parking spots.
Effective and pragmatic management should be implemented to equilibrium the provision of cost-effective housing alongside rising demand within one of the globe’s most heavily populated and pricey urban areas. Efforts aimed at addressing the misuse of apartments and even parking spots could aid in reversing the long-standing abuses that have burdened the system for many years.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | animals, infectious diseases, news, poultry, public health and safety
London, March 24 (PA Media/dpa/GNA) — The Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom announced that avian influenza has been detected in sheep at a British farm previously affected by the virus among poultry.
A solitary sheep exhibited a recurring positive result during repeated milk tests after standard monitoring of animals at a location in Yorkshire, northeast England. This area had previously reported cases of avian influenza H5N1 among confined birds.
During the surveillance of animals on affected farms following the outbreak of the illness among dairy cattle in the United States, this discovery was made.
The sick sheep was euthanized out of compassion, and subsequent tests did not reveal any additional infections among the rest of the herd, according to authorities.
This marks the initial instance of the virus being detected in a sheep; however, authorities stated that this isn’t the first occurrence of avian influenza appearing in non-avian livestock elsewhere. They also noted that this doesn’t pose an elevated threat to the United Kingdom’s herd animals.
However, they urged all farmers and animal owners to remain watchful and implement strong biosecurity practices to safeguard their livestock and stop any potential spread should an outbreak occur.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, stated: “We have verified the presence of avian-origin influenza (H5N1) in one sheep at a farm located in Yorkshire.”
Stringent biosafety protocols have been put in place to halt the continued dissemination of the illness.
Although the threat to farm animals is minimal, I strongly advise all pet and livestock caretakers to maintain impeccable hygiene standards and to promptly inform the Animal Plant Health Agency about any indications of illness.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) emphasized that the situation was limited to a single small farm and posed no threat to food safety.
The NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, stated: “There isn’t a danger to consumer food safety, and it’s crucial to emphasize this point.”
What this demonstrates, however, is the significance of biosecurity and grasping the true meaning of biosecurity.
In the realm of sheep farming, we typically associate the phrase with merely acquiring livestock. However, in this case, sheep and poultry shared the same farmland, leading to the spread of avian influenza.
He mentioned that the blending of stocks should be prevented when certain areas of England were implementing compulsory accommodation for birds because of avian influenza outbreaks.
Professor Ian Brown, who leads a team at the Pirbright Institute—a premier facility focused on researching animal diseases—commented that discovering avian influenza in a sheep that had been near infected birds wasn’t surprising.
It’s premature to assess if the virus can propagate further among sheep, as this case involved a single small farm with only a few birds and sheep.
However, he noted: “This underscores the significance of isolating different species and upholding proper agricultural sanitation.”
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The House of Representatives has pledged to support the traditional leaders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), promising improved financial assistance and efforts to resolve their issues.
Hon. Frederick Agbedi, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, provided this commitment when he engaged interactively with the FCT Traditional Council in Abuja on Monday.
Agbedi recognized the significant contribution of traditional leaders in maintaining culture, ensuring safety, resolving disputes, and fostering community growth. He informed the council about the committee’s readiness to seek legal support for allocating five percent of Area Council resources to traditional entities. Additionally, he committed to looking into elevating traditional positions and establishing new chieftaincies to boost their efficiency.
“We acknowledge and value the significant part played by traditional leaders in promoting harmony and stability within the FCT. Your efforts towards local progress are indispensable,” said Agbedi.
He pointed out that the present financial structure doesn’t specifically allow for this kind of funding since resources are mainly set aside for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services. He stressed that assigning money to conventional bodies would necessitate revisiting legislation and altering policies accordingly.
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Abegi also revealed that a bill regarding the establishment of Area Council Administrations has successfully completed its initial reading in the House of Representatives. He reassured the council that his team will collaborate with key parties involved to find solutions for the issues faced by traditional leaders, which may include providing them with potential financial assistance.
In reply, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa (the leader of Abaji Chiefdom within the FCT Traditional Council) pointed out the financial difficulties faced by his organization. He mentioned that all 17 ranked chiefdoms spread over the six Area Councils encounter significant issues because they do not receive sufficient financing and lack proper legal backing to enhance their functioning. To tackle these problems, he requested the enforcement of a policy where five percent of local government resources would be allocated to them, similar to practices seen in certain regions.
In the meantime, Hon. Inombek Abiante voiced his dissatisfaction with how the native FCT inhabitants have been treated, whereas Hon. Jonathan Gwefwi took issue with the resettlement procedure, denouncing the removal of individuals from their homelands without providing suitable replacement locations.
The House Committee confirmed ongoing communication and assistance to the traditional leaders, ensuring their roles are acknowledged within the comprehensive governance structure of the FCT and its Area Councils.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has appointed new members to the governing bodies of three higher education institutions within the state.
The governor likewise sanctioned the appointment of nine part-time members to the Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Christian Wing).
The announcements were made via a letter signed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.
Professor Ayodeji Omole has been confirmed for another term as the Chairman of the LAUTECH Governing Council. Additionally, Mrs. Titilayomi Ahmadu, Mr. Idowu Olukunle Adeosun, Mr. Jelili Bamidele Busari, and Dr. Teslim Adediran have joined the council as new appointees. These appointments will commence on April 1, 2025.
The governor has likewise sanctioned the selection of Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, who recently served as the CEO of First Bank Nigeria, to chair the governing council of the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University located in Ibadan.
The recently named council members consist of Hon. Seyi Joseph Adisa, who previously served in the House of Assembly; Prof. Samson Olakunle Ojoawo; Dr. Aminat Adekuni Ahmed; and Prof. Mojeed Kolawole Akinsola. Their term begins right away.
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Professor Kazeem Adekunle Adebiyi has also been named as the new Chairperson of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic in Eruwa. He will complete the remaining tenure left vacant by the late Professor Abiodun Adebowale Ojo, who died recently. This appointment is effective right away.
As part of a connected initiative, the governor additionally named nine part-time members to collaborate with the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Christian Wing), Bishop David Ademola Moradeyo.
The newly appointed part-time members include: Pastor Biodun Emmanuel Popoola, Pastor Iyiola Olusegun Israel, Reverend Mathew Bolaji Ojo, Reverend Father Vincent Alabi, Mrs. Sarah Olubunmi Amuda, Bishop Ezekiel Adeleke, Reverend Doctor Mathew Olusegun Oludare, Honorable Emmanuel Bayo Akanbi, and Mrs. Femi Odekunle. These appointments will commence immediately.
Governor Makinde urged the newly appointed individuals to perform their responsibilities with commitment, dedication, and unwavering loyalty to the state.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, infrastructure, local news, news, transportation
The Hull City Council has been granted £7.6 million from the government to enhance its public transportation systems, particularly focusing on buses.
The agency stated that the funds from the Department for Transport (DfT) will be utilized for introducing new services, boosting the frequency on major routes, setting up approximately 30 new bus stops, and enhancing accessibility under their Bus Service Enhancement Program. This initiative is scheduled to roll out between April and March 2026.
Kerry Ryan, who leads the transport and traffic management department at the council, stated that the objective was to “offer additional transportation alternatives and encourage individuals to opt for greener travel methods.”
The funding from the DfT is part of an extensive effort to improve bus services throughout England.
As per the council’s proposal, a fresh service will be introduced to the North York Moors, connecting with Clough Road and forming a circuit through Kingswood.
Major corridors such as those running along Anlubby Road, Holderness Road, Beverley Road, and Spring Bank West will have buses operating at intervals of 10 minutes throughout the day, as stated by the local government.
The council mentioned that they will provide enhanced details at bus stops, which includes additional seating, signage, and upgrades to the display of bus schedules.
Ben Gilligan, the managing director of East Yorkshire Buses, stated: “Over the past year, we’ve been satisfied with our advancements as we aimed at boosting service frequency throughout the city.”
He mentioned that customers were provided with “additional choices to opt for eco-friendly transportation and reach both the city and nearby regions.”
Matt Cranwell, the managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, stated: “This funding has been essential and will remain vital for the ongoing enhancement of transportation choices for the residents of Hull.”
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