‘Over 112 communities benefited from W/Bank projects in Kwara’

Over 112 rural communities across Kwara State have so far benefited from 322 micro projects of a World Bank assisted programme of the Kwara State Community and Social Development Agency (KWCSDA).

The General Manager of KWCSDA, Mr Oluwole Alabi, made the disclosure at a training workshop for community project committee members from Olowosoke, Gerewu and Kanworo in Ilorin, recently.

According to him, more than half a billion naira had so far been disbursed among the communities in a joint financing arrangement.

Alabi, who said each of the benefiting communities contributed 10 per cent of the project cost, added that the programme was demand-driven because “would-be beneficiaries across the state made their demands through expression of interest.”

He said such micro projects were in sectors like education, health, socio-economy, electricity, water and rural road construction, adding that the projects had been executed.

The general manager also disclosed that the World Bank assisted projects were being implemented in 26 states of the federation, including Kwara State.

He said that the agency placed emphasis on ownership and sustainability of projects to ensure judicious use.

“Because communities identified and demanded for what they needde by themselves, they also contributed to the actualisation of the projects. This, therefore, strengthens ownership structure and sustainability is guaranteed because the communities also make sure that the projects do not fail at any point in time. The projects are not just to be put in place but to be used effectively over time. The emphasis is on ownership and sustainability,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Wasiu Odewale, commended representatives of community development associations from Olowosoke, Gerewu and Kanworo on their efforts at improving the living standard of their people.

The commissioner said the scheme was established to empower communities to identify, prepare, implement and manage priority projects under an accepted co-financing contributions of 90 per cent from government and 10 per cent from benefiting communities, adding that it was aimed at complementing the efforts of the state government in alleviating and eradicating poverty.