The Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has criticized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for scrapping the Kwara State Community and Social Development Agency, a World Bank-assisted program initiated under former governor Bukola Saraki.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the PDP condemned the removal of KWASCDA from the NG-CARES initiative, a Federal Government and World Bank-supported program aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits in rural communities.
The party described the decision as politically motivated and detrimental to thousands of rural residents who rely on the agency for essential infrastructure like boreholes, schools, and electricity transformers.
The PDP lamented that while similar projects continue in 35 other states, Kwara now stands alone in missing out due to what it called the governor’s “self-serving political decisions.”
The party alleged that the move was orchestrated by government officials seeking to control project funds and contractor selection, rather than prioritizing public welfare.
Recalling that KWASCDA was established in 2009 during Saraki’s tenure and sustained by his successor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, the PDP said the agency had already received numerous requests for 2024 intervention projects before its abrupt termination. It accused AbdulRazaq’s administration of abandoning communities that had anticipated the construction and renovation of schools, health centers, and water supply systems.
The party further accused the governor of prioritizing projects within the state capital while neglecting rural areas, deepening the socio-economic divide and worsening living conditions.
It called for the immediate reinstatement of KWASCDA and urged the World Bank, Federal Government, and civil society groups to investigate the matter to prevent rural communities from being deprived of vital development opportunities.
“Kwara belongs to all, and we will not stand by while a few individuals in government undermine the progress of our people,” the statement concluded.
