Enugu State launches NG-CARES Operation 2.0 to empower 3,000 rural dwellers with water projects, sanitation upgrades, POS machines, and vocational tools under a grassroots development plan.
The Enugu State Government has unveiled the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Operation 2.0, a large-scale intervention programme designed to empower no fewer than 3,000 rural dwellers across the state.
The initiative, implemented through the State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), is aimed at strengthening livelihoods while improving access to basic social services in rural communities.
Unveiling the programme, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the initiative as a landmark collaboration between federal and state structures to address deepening economic pressures at the grassroots level.
He said the intervention comes at a critical time when inflation and global economic shifts continue to affect rural populations most severely.
According to him, NG-CARES Operation 2.0 is structured around three core pillars: potable water supply, improved sanitation, and livelihood support for vulnerable households.
The governor explained that the water component will expand solar-powered water schemes to improve access to clean water, reduce water-borne diseases, and ease the burden on women and children who travel long distances to fetch water.
On sanitation, he noted that the government will construct modern toilet facilities and strengthen hygiene awareness across rural communities to improve public health and dignity.
For livelihood support, he said targeted grants will be provided to verified vulnerable individuals, stressing that beneficiary selection will be strictly based on need and data-driven assessments.
He added that the programme represents a shift from top-down governance to a community-driven development model where residents play a central role in oversight and implementation.
The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of CSDA, Monday-Diamond Ani, said the initiative will provide empowerment tools to about 3,000 beneficiaries, including 2,480 Point of Sale (POS) machines and 520 vocational equipment sets such as sewing, grinding, and hairdressing tools.
Ani stated that beneficiaries will be drawn from individuals aged 18 and above, selected through community-based assessments and the state social register to ensure fairness and transparency.
He emphasized that the process will be non-political, with an independent committee responsible for verifying beneficiaries to prevent bias or manipulation.
According to him, the programme will run through the end of the year, beginning with sensitisation and selection, followed by implementation and continuous monitoring.
He further noted that both physical supervision and ICT-based tracking systems will be used to ensure proper use of the distributed resources.
Ani also confirmed that persons with disabilities will be included in the programme, describing them as a key focus group.
He added that the intervention is fully funded by the Enugu State Government, reflecting its commitment to grassroots development.
Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Mr. Obiora Obeagu, commended the initiative, describing it as a non-partisan intervention expected to improve living conditions in rural communities.
He assured that local government structures would collaborate to ensure proper implementation and prevent political interference.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
