How Lagos CDAs attracted N500m to deliver self-help projects
Olusola Esan, chairman, Ipaja Community Development Association (CDA) and members of his association, were in a joyous mood, on Thursday, July 5, 2018. Their disposition was, however, not unexpected.
For years, they had struggled to complete a self-help community electrification project, and came to a point where the project was being abandoned, as contributions from members towards the project ebbed significantly.
Clad in colourful uniform, they had come to the Blue Roof building of the Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, to receive a grant from the Lagos State government that would enable them complete the electrification project.
The venue was filled to capacity, as thousands, drawn from various Community Development Committees (CDCs), and Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, gathered, expecting to be rewarded, in recognition of their efforts in furtherance of development at the grassroots.
An elated Esan told BDSUNDAY that the Ipaja CDA decided to undertake the project, as a way of driving development into their community, but had the challenge of funding midway into the project, before the state government’s intervention.
“Our members are very happy and encouraged by the grant extended by the state government. It will go a long way in achieving our goal of completing the electrification project we’re embarking upon. We’re assuring the government that we will use this money judiciously,” Esan, whose CDA received a cheque of N1.5 million, said.
Seyido Hundeyin, chairman, Sowhekoji CDA, Badagry, was also seen in ecstatic mood. Hundeyin led several of his CDA members to receive a cheque of N9 million. The intervention was also in recognition of self-help bridge project being executed by the Sowhekoji CDA.
According to chairman, CDA members have been contributing towards the construction of bridge that would link them with five other neighbouring villages. Hundeyin said they decided to embark on the project with an initial estimated of N10 million, in order to link their community with five other villages, as well as to shorten the distance their children have to trek to school.
“Because of the importance of this bridge, we have been taxing ourselves. So far, we have contributed N6 million, and today, we have received N9 million from the government. We would deploy the money to make sure that the project is completed.
“With the bridge, the social and economic life of our community would be enhanced. Currently our children find it difficult to reach their school because of the absence of the bridge. By the time we complete the project, they will be able to connect their school directly, and we the community people will easily link five other surrounding villages.
“We thank the government and appeal to them to do more to drive development to the grassroots,” said Hundeyin.
The state governor, the state governor, who presented the grants to the CDAs said the self-help projects, ranging from community halls, street light, transformers, police post, drainage and health centres by these communities would complement the efforts of the state and local government to engender growth and development.
According to Ambode, the grants represent a commitment to support CDAs in the initiation and implementation of community-based projects, adding that apart from being in line with his administration’s policy of inclusive governance, the approach would guarantee ownership of such projects by the communities.
“Self-help projects have contributed to making our communities more liveable for the residents. I must commend them for the various projects they have initiated and funded from their voluntary levies and donations by members.”
Ambode explained that the decision to assist the CDAs was based on the reports gathered from the monitoring of the communities, which indicated that some of the projects were on the verge of being abandoned due to paucity of funds, noting that the intervention was therefore compelling.
“Today’s occasion is historic. Let me emphasise that this will be a continuous exercise. Other deserving CDAs will also be considered in the next phase of this presentation,” Ambode said, adding that the CDAs and CDCs were partners in governance and would always be supported.
“I congratulate the leadership and members of the CDAs that are benefitting from this support initiative. It is my expectation that all the self-help projects covered by this grant will be completed as soon as possible for the usage and benefit of residents,” he said.
He charged residents in the various communities to take ownership of the projects and protect them against vandalism and acts that could result in the reduction of the lifespan of the facilities.
Tunde Balogun, chairman, Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the intervention as unprecedented and urged the communities to make judicious use of the grants.
“What is happening now is awesome and unprecedented because this is the first time we’re seeing this level of intervention in the state. Please take ownership of the projects and ensure durability in your locality.”
Muslim Folami, commissioner for local government and community affairs, said there has been increase in the number of registered CDAs in the state from 2,012 in 2015 to 3,935 in the last three years.
Some other communities that benefitted from the grant include Olera CDA, Ojokoro; Anifowoshe CDA, Ikeja; Onibaba CDA, Ajeromi Ifelodun; Ogoitan Phase I CDA, Epe; Ifelodun Surulere CDA, Olorunda; Ofiran Phase 1 CDA, Ibeju Lekki; Equitable Estate CDA, Igbogbo Baiyeku; Anuoluwapo CDA, Ojota.