MPP9 Pilot Programme and Local Government Organized Eighth Information Exchange and Reflection Workshop on 23^rd of November 2011

The eighth Information Exchange and Reflection Workshop of the Etung Pilot Programme had this time special features. Clan heads from ten wards and town council chairman also from all ten wards attended the meeting. The Agenda was focusing in addition on an information exchange with representatives of 27 registered community development unions, for participants of Etung Local Government and other selected contributors. The workshop was arranged in partnership with the NGO Golden Package Foundation. Etung Local Government Executives and Etung Pilot Programme had invited jointly to discuss procurement conditions for 56 MPP9 projects being implemented with EDF funds in the domains of health, education, community halls and solar powered water supply. The contractors bidding for works contracts were espected in the second week of December to visit the sites and obtain frame information for their offers. Etung LG MPP9- Coordinator; Mrs Nora Okorn facilitated the workshop.  She welcomed specifically the clan heads who were since the start of the MPP9 pilot project the first time part of an information exchange/reflection workshop.

Clan Heads and Town Council Chairpersons of Etung Wards gave the eighth information exchange and reflection workshop a special weight in development discussions. The picture was taken in the LG community hall Effraya.

The Director of Works, Engr. George Itam represented the executive chairman of Etung LGA. He indicated that the impact of MPP9 is now evident in communities all over the Local Government area. The currently completed MPP9 projects are 35 in number and represent the counterpart fund contribution of the Etung LGA to MPP9 Etung Pilot Programme. The implementation of the EDF grant funded MPP9 projects are still to be implemented and the Etung Local Government executive chairman Hon. Godwin Etim John has been active in the promotion of an accelerated process for these projects which are currently tied down because of tender formalities. But big efforts were done to make the new publication of the tender a success, giving a scope for works contract award in April 2012. The Director of Works also stressed that adaptations for a few project sites may be recommended with the assistance of the LMU engineer and Local Government officials. This may occur for optimization of the location of health posts and school blocks. Aim is to fit the final projects site adjustments with the consultation of communities into the Etung over all development perspectives. He closed his address with the statement that “Etung will continue to be a leading Local Government in Development in Nigeria”.

Egbe Inyang Ikpan  represented Golden Package Foundation. He  thanked the participants for their continual interest. The cooperation in organizing this event  means for Golden Package Foundation being part of experience for exchange aiming for sustainable developments. The LMU Team Leader Dr Peter Ay expressed that this series of workshops has assisted LMU, LGA, CBOs and other stakeholders to have advantage for continuity of important information flows and feedback.  He stressed that significant dates for community attention are laid down in the tender documents. For the 7^th, 8^th and 9^th of December sites for 56 EDF funded MPP9 projects may be visited by contractors preparing bids.

The LMU Rural Infrastructure Engineer, Engr. Uzo Uhegbu, informed that any eligible, qualified and credible contractor can bid for the projects. The European Development Fund Authorities have shortened the period for preparing bids from 90 (the duration at the previous procurement) to 45 days. Other possibilities to accelerate the process of contract award are explored.

As already discussed in previous workshops, communities provide for the MPP9 projects Land. This means for water projects the provision of one plot of land, but for the other projects two plots (schools, health posts or community halls). The land needs to be on level ground as laid down in the tender dossier available to contractors, it should be located centrally or at least where a greater number of the people are residing. Land rights need to be clarified and the land is then validated as a community contribution.

The community is responsible to mobilize for site clearing. This includes cutting down trees and uprooting. This action can start after confirmation of site suitability by engineers and contractors. Part of the community contribution is also, to provide access to the site. This includes access for equipment necessary for construction and may consist of a temporary motorable path which also is providing due access during the construction period.

The community has the option to plant trees and other vegetation for environmental conservation. For tree planting cooperation with Local Government is recommended as LG intends to provide planting materials from nurseries, including fruit and other agricultural trees.  Community contribution is also to provide security for the site, the materials and equipment stored and utilised as well as for persons working at the site.

General discussion

Other points discussed were sustainable project management and involvement of women at all stages. The Clan Heads informed about the status of current MPP9 project construction. On difficulties, the Director of Works gave specific explanations and promised that the Etung Local Government would make sure that the counterpart funded projects will be completed as laid down in the contracts. This includes for example the implementation of water and sanitation parts for the relocated markets in the communities at optimal locations. The relocated markets will be supplied from a central point with water and toilets will be provided for the entire number of relocated markets by an additional MPP9 project planned and implemented by Etung LGA.

Under the topic Community Perspectives on Micro Projects Approach to Rural Development, general planning issues and visions for a successful completion of Etung Pilot Programme were discussed. For developing Etung, the construction of roads were given a high rank in future development. European Union needs to view roads to be complementary to the standard micro projects. Easy access to a well equipped and well staffed health centre may turn out for many cases to be as important as a health centre in the immediate neighbourhood.

The LMU team referred to plans in the Operation Budget to contribute to a transport master plan for Etung Local Government Authority. The budget has been approved and the operation will be carried out by competent consultants. Following development programmes may utilize the transport master plan as an orientation for community transport improvement, for road projects by the Local Government and other development organisations.