Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency present Cheques for Micro Projects to Calabar South Communities

It was a day of joy for the people of Edibe Edibe and Ansa Ewa communities both in Henshaw Town Calabar South Local Government Area as the chairman of the Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency Sir Toni Ikpeme and the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Corporation, Dr. Mrs. Inyang Asibong presented the first Tranch of funding for some community development projects. This was in fulfilment of the dire needs on ground as requested by the communities.

The projects which are World Bank assisted with up-to date counterpart funding from the state government in line with Governor Ayade's policy trust on rural community development include a solar powered borehole, installation of a new 500kva transformer and LED solar powered street lights for Edibe Edibe community. Ansa Ewa community also attracted a borehole water project, LED solar powered street light to enhance security and the replacement of PHED wooden poles with concrete poles.

The Chairman in his remark said 'the essence of our gathering here today is to show what a typical example of community partnership with the government looks like. For us to be here in this community in Calabar South is based on the fact that we've seen a community that has been so cohesive, a community that has a structured leadership that has put itself and its house indeed in order. We are here to drive one if his excellency's vision which is that rural communities in Cross River State benefit from the rural community projects which his excellency intends to do'

The Commissioner MIDC Dr. Mrs. Asibong reminded the community that the government came because the people requested for help. The plan is to complete the projects within six weeks. She lauded the enthusiasm, co-operation and the synergy between Government and the members of the community.

The high point of the brief event was the presentation of a cheque of about 3.9 million naira to Edibe Edibe community and about 1.6 million naira to Ansa Ewa community as the first phase of the release of funds to kick start the projects. The commissioner reiterated government position to release more funds to complete the projects if the first installment is judiciously used.

Both community leaders in their response appreciated the government for not neglecting them and promised to ensure that all the community projects are executed.

The Community and Social Development Agency is a World Bank assisted project in collaboration with the state government with a mandate to help the poor in rural communities have access to social infrastructure. The project uses the Community Demand Approach where the community identifies what the need and part finance it. The CSDA on their own part provide the major funding for the project, monitor and supervise the project and also put the project to use.

The CSDA handle such micro projects as building water boreholes, installing transformers, solar powered street lights, building health centres, etc. All that is required is for the affected community to make demands and show a readiness and willingness to co-operating with the agency, donor agency and the government in making their dreams a reality.