World Bank projects: Enugu Commissioner warns community leaders against fraud

Newly appointed Enugu State Commissioner for Rural Development, Prince Emeka Mamah, has warned community leaders against the misuse of funds allocated to Word Bank assisted projects in their areas, reiterating state government’s total commitment to improving the lives of rural dwellers in the state.

Prince Mamah gave this warning yesterday while declaring open a 2-day training workshop for members of the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC) organized by the management of the state Agency of Community for Social Development  Project (CSDP) held at Ville Toscana, Enugu.

The Commissioner stated that the workshop was apt as rural development was one of the 4-point agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, urging the benefiting communities to take the advantage of the World Bank assisted projects to uplift their areas.

He charged the participants to take the training seriously, warning that the state government and the World Bank have zero tolerance for fraud and mismanagement.

“This is my first official assignment as Commissioner for Rural Development. I am happy being here. I urge you all to take this training with all seriousness. Our able governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has 4-point agenda and rural development which is one of his focal points is paramount in his consolidation process. Be responsive and accountable,” he added.

Earlier, the General Manager of CSDP in the state, Dr Maximus Asogwa, said the training was to educate the participants on the mission/vision of the CSDP so as to equip them on the roles expected from them during the execution of projects at their various communities.

Dr Asogwa explained to them that CSDP projects are community-driven, pointing out that the state government keyed into the world Bank projects to improve the lives of the people.

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The Operations Manager of the state CSDP, Damian Udegbunam,  in his introductory remark, gave the over-view of Agency, stressing that there was the need for active participation in execution, supervision of the CSDP projects in the affected communities.

Another Speaker from the CSDP stable was Mr Ishiwu Ifeanyi (Procurement Officer) warned against fraud during the execution of the projects.

He advised on the need for accountability and transparency and advertising the quotation of the project in major streets and market square of the benefitting community for quality work to be executed by competent contractors.

Egr. Ngozi Ogbu, Manager, Gender and Vulnerable unit of the CSDP in the state, lectured the participants on the need for equality for male and females including the vulnerable while assigning a social role.

According to her: “Abandoned children, children from broken homes, people living with HIV (PLWHA), handicapped, elderly, etc, should be fairly treated irrespective of gender.”

She noted: “Gender gaps differences are created in respect of opportunities and access to resources due to unequal treatment. The summary is that both men and women should be included in CSDP projects.

“At the end, participants should be able to facilitate the resolution in conflict between various stakeholders in regards to the projects.”

Also, the Finance and Administration Manager, Anthony Onu, spoke on management and effective utilisation of funds as well as sound financial management which he said was critical to project implementation, hence the achievement of the desired goals in various Gender and Vulnerable Groups in the state.

“Budget for the project should be followed strictly with internal control and accounting of funds flows. Responsibility should be shared for checks and accountability,” he added.