The counterpart fund payment would allow the state to access one billion Naira from the World Bank’s rural development joint venture.

The projects is under the Enugu state Agency for Community and Social Development Project (CSDP).

The CSDP General Manager in the state, Dr Maximus Asogwa, told newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday that the counterpart fund was a huge gesture.

According to him, it will give his agency renewed vigour in carrying out projects under the joint venture with the global body.

Asogwa noted that the CSDP in the state had in the past five years completed over 200 projects in about 120 communities across the state.

“The rural projects covered areas of health, education, rural electrification, water and rural feeder roads.

“The others are bridges and culverts as well as civic centres and market stalls,’’ he said.

Asogwa noted that the governor’s approval of the payment of the sum followed a request to that effect by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Chief Gab Onuzulike, after the state Executive Council meeting last May.

NAN reports that the fund, when accessed would enable Enugu State’s CSDP to complete 49 ongoing projects in already approved community development plans.

The funding would also facilitate new rural development projects in about 100 communities in the state within the next two years.