By Philip Yatai

Some stakeholders in Kaduna South Senatorial district have commended Connected Development (CODE), a non-governmental organisation, for creating a platform for elected representative to dialogue with the electorate on constituency projects.

The stakeholders gave the commendation in Kafanchan on Monday at a townhall meeting organised by CODE for the electorate, elected representatives and government officials, to discuss the execution of constituency projects in the zone.

One of them, Mr Saidu Umaru, District Head of Kafanchan and environs, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the event, that such platform would deepen engagement of citizens in governance process.

Umaru pointed out that communities would not develop if the electorate were disconnected with their representatives, stressing that constituency projects should represent the needs of communities.

“The elected representatives should listen to the electorate and respond to their needs, while the electorate are expected to support their representatives to ensure quality representation.

“This can only happen if we have a platform where we will meet periodically and discuss issues affecting us, and together, decide on ways to address them.

“I commend CODE for providing such a platform,” he said.

Ms Aisha Dahiru, Community Development Champion, Takau and Kafanchan Ward, also stressed the need for constituency projects to be implemented based on the needs of the people.

Dahiru pointed out that the lawmakers at the state and national assemblies were representatives of the people, as such should learn to implement people-oriented projects.

“I am very happy that CODE is helping to bridge the gap that exists between the electorate and their representatives, with respect  to constituency projects and governance in general,” she told NAN.

Similarly,  Dr Hamza Abubakar, Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Board, said that linking electorate with their representatives and government agencies, was crucial for improved service delivery.

Abubakar, who was represented at the event by Mr Maxuel Sanda, Director, Administration and Human Resources, said the state government had done a lot in providing the needed infrastructure in primary healthcare delivery.

He urged the elected representatives at the State and National Assemblies to support the healthcare system with constituency projects that focus on service delivery.

Earlier, CODE’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Hamzat Lawal, had stressed the need for elected representatives to consult the people in the planning and implementation of constituency projects.

Lawal, who was represented by Mrs Lucy Abagi, CODE’s Senior Programme Manager, said that platforms for dialogue was crucial to deepen citizens interest in government spendings.

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.

He explained that the townhall meeting was organised under the Deepening Citizens’ Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanying Corrupt Practices projects, supported by MacArthur Foundation.