CSDA Begins Statewide Communities’ Sensitisation, Documentation For NG-CARES 2.0 In Enugu
The Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) has commenced statewide communities sensitisation and documentation for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) 2.0 programmes.
During the sensitisation at Nomeh-Unataeze Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area on Wednesday, the General Manager of CSDA, Chief Monday Ani, said that the exercise was in line with administrative philosophy of Gov. Peter Mbah’s “Smart Communities, Smart Projects” initiative.
According to Ani, for the sensitisation in Nkanu East Local Government Area, we have touched the following communities: Akpaa-Ugbawka, Ishiogbo Nara, Imeoha-Nkerefi, Ishienu-Amofu-Nkerefi, Ohuani-Amofu-Nkerefi and Nomeh-Unataeze communities.
The CSDA boss noted that as part of the eligibility requirements for communities to access NG-CARES interventions, the agency’s sensitisation began in Nkanu East Local Government Area to enlighten the people of requirements for the programme.
“During the exercise, the CSDA staff thoroughly sensitised and educated the communities on the ethics, guidelines and roadmap for accessing and implementing NG-CARES projects.
“The CSDA team also guided communities on the proper process of conducting a transparent and credible election of a 20-member Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), which will represent the community and play a key role throughout the project execution.
“The CPMC is structured into different committees to ensure effective participation, transparency, accountability and sustainability of projects.
“These include: the Main Committee, the Procurement Committee, the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, and the Maintenance Committee,” he said.
Ani said that the exercise underscored the CSDA’s commitment to the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, which places communities at the centre of identifying, implementing, monitoring and sustaining projects that directly address their needs.
He said that the exercise was also part of the agency’s efforts to ensure that communities are adequately prepared and equipped with the knowledge required to effectively participate in the NG-CARES programme.
He said, “The initiative reflects Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s commitment to empowering communities, strengthening grassroots development and ensuring that government interventions are delivered through transparent, participatory and sustainable processes.
“Through the Smart Communities, Smart Projects initiative (SCSP), the Enugu State Government continues to promote community ownership and accountability, ensuring that development projects are not only provided but are also properly managed and sustained for the benefit of the people.”
The general manager said that over 120 communities in the state, which are already captured, would be visited for sensitisation and documentation for onward project executions.
Responding, a Leader in Nomeh-Unataeze community, Hon. Uche Anichukwu, lauded Gov. Mbah and CSDA for extending people-driven intervention projects to the agrarian community.
“As community, we are grateful to be selected to benefit from His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah’s direct intervention projects through the CSDA’s NG-CARES 2.0,” Anichukwu said.