The Community-based Infrastructure and Livelihood
Improvement Project (CILIP) recently presented cheques for D13,688,556 to 50
community-based organisations (CBOs) in North Bank Region.
The money, presented at a ceremony in Kerewan, was to help the organisations to implement projects that would bring about sustainable livelihood and improved social status of the communities.
The 50 beneficiary groups have fulfilled their 10 per cent counterpart contribution to the project cost.
Omar Kanteh, the zonal project officer of CILIP in North Bank, said CILIP is committed to empowering community-based organisations to take centre stage in the implementation of development projects.
He hailed the project technical committee in NBR for their support in promoting the concept of project planning and community ownership of projects.
Mr Kanteh also lauded the beneficiaries for their commitment to timely payment of counterpart contributions.
Deputy Governor of NBR, Mustapha Saidy, said the initiative of CILIP has been undertaken to complement the government’s efforts in improving lives and livelihood of communities.
Deputy Governor Saidy advised beneficiary groups to ensure proper management of projects to contribute to poverty reduction.
Momodou Darboe, acting Regional Livestock Director for NBR, urged beneficiary organisations to be proactive in building partnership with livestock officers in adoption of best practice on ram fattening and rearing for sustainable development.
He also called on livestock dealers to be providing quality rams to enhance production and productivity.
Mr Darboe told the beneficiaries who are going to be engaged in ram fattening to only buy rams more than 25 kilos and to buy only local sheep for breeding purposes.
Omar Mendy, agricultural officer at the Regional Agricultural Directorate in Kerewan, hailed CILIP for empowering farmer groups in boosting food production and productivity.
He implored on the beneficiary groups to procure quality fertilisers that would enhance food production.
Chairman of Kerewan Area Council Lamin Ceesay called for positive behavioral change on the management of public resources to bring about sustainable livelihood development.
Chief JimFatma Jobe of Jokadou assured of the support and cooperation of his district authorities towards the implementation of the projects.
Chairperson of North Bank Regional Technical Committee Ngaga Khan expressed gratitude about the high level of community participation in the implementation of community projects.
