Enugu govt gives N53m to 44 communities

RESPITE came the way of the people of 44 communities in Enugu State recently  when Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi doled out a total of N53,287,523.46  to them for rural development projects in the areas.

Nigerian Tribune which witnessed the formal presentation of cheques to the leaders of the lucky communities at OAKLAND Hotel, Enugu, observed that 16 out 17 local government areas benefited from the state government’s largesse with Enugu North Local Government Area not being part due to its urbanisation.

Traditional rulers and President- Generals of the benefitting communities who were in attendance at the event were full of praises to God as they poured encomiums on the state government.

Governor Ugwuanyi, who was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Staff, Dr Festus Uzor, told the leaders of the benefiting communities while issuing them cheques that the fund was meant to accelerate development at the grassroots level in the state.

Ugwuanyi said nothing stopped the benefiting communities from qualifying for subsequent disbursements if the funds were used judiciously.

The state Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr Gabriel Onuzulike, said the disbursement was to further the governor’s passion of putting smiles in people’s faces.

General Manager of the state Agency for Community and Social Development Project, (CSDP)Dr Maximus Asogwa, said under the principle of community driven development initiatives, the agency had completed  over 200 micro projects in 144 communities in the state.

Dr Asogwa said the projects cut across areas of education, health, water, rural electrification, feeder roads, bridges/culverts, civic centres, market stalls and security posts.

Some of the traditional rulers and community leaders interviewed commended the state governor for the gesture, stressing that the fund would be used accordingly.

A paramount ruler, Igwe Odo said, “We are happy with our Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The governor is trying his best to solve our problems in our various communities. That is the more reason I am calling on the people of Enugu State to cooperate with him so that he can succeed more.

“With the money, my people can address the issue of gully erosion which has been destroying our roads. We need to build culverts and bridges on our roads, get good drinking water as well as electricity” the royal father added.