By Golok Nanmwa
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Wednesday presented cheques to Twenty eight benefiting communities of the Plateau state community and social development program (CSDP) earmarked for the execution of various projects in their respective localities.
Speaking at the occasion, Lalong said: “the Community and Social Development Program has been key to the Rescue Administration’s developmental projects in the last three and a half years. This stems, by and large, from the fact that the objective of the project falls in line with our major policy thrusts, which include Human Capital Development and Social Welfare, Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as Physical Infrastructure and Environment.
To this end, on assumption of office in May 2015, I immediately approved the release of the sum of N200m to the CSDP; another N100m in 2016; and N200m recently. To further demonstrate my administration’s interest in the activities of the agency, I removed it from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to my office, so as to give the it accelerated attention and for close monitoring.
let me assure you that as a Government, we will continue to support the development of our poor communities and CSDP is that vehicle to which we will achieve that goal. I am convinced that the fastest avenue for development is to allow communities to decide on projects of their felt-needs. Be rest assured that this administration is totally committed to sustaining the bottom-up approach.
Initially, only six (6) Local Government Areas were implementing CSDP because of the state poverty map. Being a responsible, responsive and listening government, we requested for the inclusion of ALL the Local Government Areas. However, only five (5) were approved by the World Bank. Hopefully, the remaining LGAs will be included in 2019.
At this juncture, I urge the new benefiting communities to ensure the successful execution of these projects. Let me remind you that you are about writing your names in history, if only you follow the agency’s implementation procedure. With the training you have received, I am confident that you will not fail yourself, your community and Plateau State because you have a name to protect.
let me warn that the funds you receive must be used for the purpose intended. My administration will not hesitate to sanction any community that defaults, and we will use all avenues available to recover all misappropriated funds.”
