Civil Society Groups monitor LG projects, budget implementation in S'East

The Citizens Center for Integrated Development and Social Rights, CCIDESOR, has disclosed the preparedness of citizens and civil society organizations to embark on Monitoring of local government Capital Projects and Budget Implementation in Imo, Abia and Enugu States.

The Executive Director of CCIDESOR, Dr. Emeka Ononamadumade the disclosure on Saturday in a training guide for the field monitors in Enugu.

Ononamadu stated that monitoring Local Government capital projects and budget implementation is an important civic responsibility that helps ensure that public funds are properly utilized for the benefit of citizens at the grassroots level. 

He stressed that the monitoring exercise being undertaken by citizens and civil society organizations aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery in Local Government Areas, adding that what they are doing is a complimentary service to leaders of states and LGs other than witch-hunts.

Ononamadu said that the monitors will verify the existence of budgeted projects to confirm whether capital projects listed in the 2025 Local Government budgets actually exist on the ground and whether they were implemented as approved.

"They will access compliance with due process in Project Award, examine whether proper procurement procedures were followed in awarding contracts, including transparency in the selection of contractors and adherence to Local Government administrative procedures," Ononamadu disclosed.

He further noted that the exercise will look at determination of costs and value of projects, to assess whether the value and quality of the work carried out correspond with the amount of public funds allocated.

"We will evaluate the Quality and Standard of Implemented Projects. Monitoring will assess whether projects such as schools, health facilities, agricultural infrastructure, and rural roads were executed according to acceptable standards and whether they are durable and functional.

"Through these objectives, the monitoring exercise will contribute to promoting responsible governance, improving service delivery, and ensuring that public resources allocated to Local Governments translate into real development for the people of the States," Ononamadu said.