In line with the political manifesto of the Soludo-led government, the Anambra state Community and Social Development Agency(ANCSDA) under the AN-CARES initiative held its programme as it disburse funds to the first batch of communities in the state.
News Echo reports that ten communities has benefited from the first financing project and these includes, Enugwu-Uto Aguleri, Abacha, Atani, Nzam, Omasi,, Amaokpala,, Awa, Isulo, Mputu and Igbariam community at the event held at the IDK center, permanent site, Awka which also attracted major stakeholders in the industry, community leaders and appointees.
In his opening address, the MD/CEO, ANSCDA, Chudi Mojekwu, said the aim of the project is to ensure all round community development in the state.
According to him, the Community Choose your Project would be allocating 50% against the regular 30% to afford faster actualisation while reiterating that the remaining 50% would be paid after the completion of the project. He also advised all stakeholders to take advantage of the Soludo open administration by sharing ideas that would benefit the masses.
He maintained that the first batch of 10 communities would be followed up by five more communities in the month of May laying emphasis on Gov. Soludo vision of a loveable and prosperous homeland for all including the poor and vulnerable.
In addition, Mrs. Uche Nwaizugbo, manager, Community and Vulnerable Group Basic Services Delivery, applauded the efforts of the government to reach out to the hinterlands. She encouraged representatives of the various communities to ensure the disbursed funds are maximised to its full capacity.
In support, Nnamdi Onuzulike, Project Officer, Information,Education, Communication and Training, ANSCDA expressed delight on the development. He explained the AN-CARES is a sub-body set up with support of World Bank to assist the state government recover economic recession, empower the poor and vulnerable in the society.
The Chairperson of the occasion, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development who also doubles as the Chairlady of AN-CARES, Ms. Chiamaka Nnake, said one of the objectives of the Soludo-led government is to bring development and social amenities as well as increased human capital resources. Citing emphasis that the Soludo manifesto for a social agenda that places the welfare of the poor and vulnerable on top priority, she said more funds will be released to the coordinating units to ensure full scale of the programme to all 179 communities.
On the sidelines, Nnake said the community ‘choose your project’ programme is one of the ways the state government is reaching out to diversify development in the state. According to her, its not business as usual. Every single naira and kobo must be accounted for by those representing the communities. She also encouraged all stakeholders to support the Soludo administration by sensitising the general public on matters of social and community development.
A representative of a Enugwu -ITU Aguleri that benefited from the funding, Mrs. Juliana Iwuno expressed her delight for the support from the ministry. She explained that every stage of the community project would be duly documented.
The beneficiary communities with their first disbursement cheques includes, Enugwu-Uto Aguleri which received 4.2million, Abacha community received 5million, Atani community received 3.5million, Nzam and Omasi communities both received 6.1million, Amaokpala community 2.7million while Awa community received 4.6million, Isulo and Mputu communities received 4.7 and 4 million naira respectively while Igbariam received 5million naira.
The programme ended with vote of thanks by the PG, lsulo community, Sam Oguagbaka.