The Cross River State Government says it has started the disbursement of N71 million counterpart funds to some communities for some World Bank-assisted Community and Social Development Projects (CSDP).
Mr Fidel Udie, Acting General Manager, State Community and Social Development Agency (SCSDA), made this known on Thursday at the inauguration of some micro projects by Atakpa community in Calabar South Local Government Area.
The General Manager said the funds were meant to assist the beneficiaries to execute poverty-focused micro projects in line with their specific needs, under the supervision of Cross River state-CSDA.
According to him, 21 micro projects were slated to be funded in the first batch of the programme at the cost of N79 million.
“Out of this, SCSDA will be contributing N71 million, equivalent of 90 per cent, while the communities will contribute the remaining amount,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Inyang Asibong, the state Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, said the state government was committed to the welfare and overall development of the citizens.
“I commend Gov. Ben Ayade for the payment of the counterpart fund which is a prerequisite for participating in the project as conditioned by world bank,” she said.
The micro projects inaugurated in Atakpa community during the occasion included renovated four classroom blocks, a motorised borehole, and ventilated improved toilets executed at the cost of N8.2 million.
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The Ashikpe community in Obudu Local Government Area will benefit from the programmes as solar-powered boreholes, culverts and electricity extension projects are being carried out at the cost of N8.4 million in the area.
Another benefiting from the micro project is Betukwel community also in Obudu where four classroom blocks and a culvert are being constructed at the cost of N6.9 million.
In the same vein, Bebuawhan community will benefit for embarking on building and equipping of a health post as well as constructing a solar-powered borehole at the cost of N9.3 million
