Constituency projects: CODE tasks elected representatives on citizens’ participation

From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Connected Development (CODE), has called on elected representatives in Kaduna State to open more spaces for citizens to participate in planning and implementation of constituency projects.
CODE’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Hamzat Lawal, made the call in Kafanchan yesterday at a town hall meeting organised for community members, government officials and duty bearers to discuss execution of projects.
Lawal, represented by Mrs Lucy Abagi, CODE’s Senior Programme Manager, stressed the need for elective representatives to consult the people in the planning and implementation of constituency projects.
According to him, the move will ensure that projects speak to the needs of the people and ensure ownership and sustainability.
He explained that the objective of the meeting was to enlighten community members on their rights to participate in decisions making process on issues that affected them, particularly constituency projects.
“The meeting is also organised to draw the attention of elected representatives at the State and National Assemblies on the need to involve the people in project design and implementation.
“It also provides an opportunity for us to dialogue and find way for lasting peace for sustainable development to thrive,” he said.
He explained that the town hall meeting was organised under the Deepening Citizens’ Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanying Corrupt Practices (DeSPAAC) projects, supported by MacArthur Foundation.