By Edifon ABASI-OBOT
The Government of Akwa Ibom State, in partnership with World Blank has, through the Community and Social Development Programme (AKSG-CSDP), completed the construction of 171 qualitative micro-projects, while 56 others are still on-going. The projects, worth N686, 903,711,31.00, include 13 health centres, 12 school blocks 30 (24-unit each) open market stalls, 39 motorized boreholes, 24 electricity extension, 5 culverts/drainages, several VIP toilets, town halls/civic centres, viewing centre, among others, spread across 89 rural communities in the State.
Commissioner for Economic Development, Labour and Manpower Planning, Barrister Ekong Sampson, made these known while inspecting some completed projects in Eyulor community, in Urueofong-Oruko Local Government Area.
Barrister Sampson said that Akwa Ibom State Government has used the CSDP micro projects scheme to give voice and dignity to the poor and vulnerable at the grassroots, as it has significantly reduced poverty, enhanced the standard of living of rural people, created employment through the various social infrastructures in the 89 benefitting communities.
He lauded Governor Emmanuel’s value and commitment to serve his people, as demonstrated in his fulfillment of all conditions by the World Bank, including payment of counterpart funds, which enabled the State’s CSDP to come on board the scheme on time and to make great strides.
Ekong Sampson affirmed strides so far recorded in the AKSG-CSDP was indicative of efforts made by the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration towards the actualization of its 5-point agenda of Wealth Creation, Job Creation, Political and Economic Inclusion, poverty Alleviation and Infrastructure expansion and consolidation.
The Commissioner maintained that measuring by significant increase of access of the poor and vulnerable to improved healthcare services, potable water, electricity, as well as reduction in pupils per class ratio and average distances to schools among many other Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) the Akwa Ibom State Government, through its collaboration with World Bank under the CSDP, has performed creditably well.
The General Manager of the AKSG-CSDP, Mr. Ishmael Akpan also applauded the State Government for its promptness in taking advantage of the partnership in the interest of the rural dwellers in the State. He said Akwa Ibom was one of the first States to come on board the programme in 2015 and as at October 2018, has recorded 171 completed projects, being the highest number on the scheme, while still having 56 projects at different stages of completion.
Ishmael Akpan attributed the great success of the programme in Akwa Ibom State to the cooperation of the State Government is meeting its counterpart funding obligations and the ability of communities to jointly identify felt needs, which is a prerequisite to come on board the programme.
The Chairman of the CSDP Committee in Eyulor community in Urueofong-Oruko, Elder Francis Onobo, said the lack of a functional Health centre has been a major challenge of Eyulor community for decades. He thanked the State Government and World Bank for coming to the aid of the community and particularly thanked the government for deploying health workers to the facility, while pledging the community’s commitment to maintain all CSDP projects in the area.
