By Agbongiasede Gloria
The Edo State Government through its Community and Social Development Agency (Edo-CSDA), has approved the commencement of micro projects in 20 communities across 13 local government areas (LGAs) within the State, and has officially launched the projects with the presentation of first tranche cheques to the benefitting communities.
A team of officers led by the General Manager of the Agency, Engr. Osazuwa Osarume, a representative from the State Cares Coordinating Unit (SCCU), the Agency responsible for implementing the EDO-CARES program and facilitating funds for Edo-CSDA projects, Mr. Iyamu Kelly Imudia, and the chairmen of the respective LGAs were on ground to deliver approval letters and cheques to benefiting communities during the project launch.
According to Engr. Osarume, the Government is to provide 97 percent of the total project cost while each of the benefiting communities will contribute its corresponding three percent. Of the Government’s 97 percent contribution, disbursement is in three tranches: initial 30 percent for takeoff, followed by 50 percent, and concludes with 20 percent if it is a building project, or 50 percent takeoff, followed by 30 percent and 20 percent if it is a service project.
Engr. Osazuwa explained that the communities have been granted a 90-day window to commence and finalize their projects, during which rigorous monitoring will take place to ensure projects progress according to set standards. “The projects will be executed following the Community-Driven Development approach, signifying that both the labor force and construction materials required for project implementation will be locally procured from within the communities. This approach endears the communities to assume complete ownership of their projects, ensuring their long-term maintenance and sustainability. An essential component of this launch is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Agency and the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary of the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC),” he added.
The Edo-ESDA Boss continued, “CPMC assumes responsibility for devising the work plan during project implementation; overseeing procurement, and managing all bank transactions with a minimum of two signatories from the Committee. In an effort to promote transparency and accountability throughout the project implementation phase, a disclosure board will be prominently displayed by the committee at a central location, where all project-related information would be made accessible to the public.
“The approved micro projects encompass various crucial community enhancements, including the renovation of primary healthcare facilities, primary and secondary schools, water supply systems, and construction of staff quarters, classrooms, and offices. Prior to granting these approvals, a comprehensive field appraisal exercise was conducted by technical officers from the Agency and relevant line ministries to ensure the feasibility of the projects and the suitability of proposed projects’ locations”.
The edionwere and elders from benefitting communities were full of appreciation to the Edo State Government for initiating the projects within their localities. They also pledged their commitments to the success of the projects’ executions and their dedication to adhering to the prescribed guidelines laid out by the Agency on the realization and sustenance of the micro projects in their various domains.
Among the communities set to benefit from the social development projects are Erhunhun in Akoko-Edo; Imiegba in Estako East; Sabongida-Ora in Owan West; Ogba-nugu, Okogbo, and Evboehighae in Oriohnmwon; Udo in Ovia South-West; Ugbineh, Uhen, Igbekhue, and Obarenren in Ovia North-East. Others include Ikpe, Evbovoen, and Evbomodu in Ikpoba Okha; Iguogbe in Uhumwonde; Iyekogbe in Esan Central; Ebhoiyi in Esan North-East; Ohordua in Esan South-East; Obodeko in Igueben, and Ujiogba in Esan West.
Also in attendance at the launch were the representatives of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie Esq., Hon Balogun Eghosa, who doubles as the leader of the Legislative Arm of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council; the Honorable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare; the Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe; amongst other executive chairmen of benefitting communities.
The micro projects are anticipated to bring positive impacts to a minimum of 60,000 residents in Edo State as there will be no fewer than 3,000 beneficiaries in each benefitting community. The projects typify the Edo State Government’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of its residents by addressing their specific needs and fostering community development.
