Community Development Helps Three Villages Speak with One Voice
On November 19, 2008, three Lenkaran villages with a combined population of approximately 8,100 residents inaugurated the completion of their USAID-supported Community Development Activity (CDA) road rehabilitation project. Once citizens and CDA Community Development Council (CDC) members from the villages of Girdeni, Veravul, and Osakucha determined road improvements as their leading priority, partner CHF International helped the CDCs with project planning, budgeting, and implementation efforts.
Throughout the project, residents from the three communities got together to share experiences, negotiate vendor arrangements, and coordinate project progress. Through community and municipality contributions, drainage ditches were added, potholes filled, and inter-village roads sanded and graveled—well ahead of the winter weather. Where it had been once difficult to traverse in bad weather, the improved 3,300 meter road systems have become an essential economic lifeline, transporting people and produce within the cluster and throughout Azerbaijan.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, community members credited the CDA with the skills, knowledge, and lessons learned for their success in collaborating with local government, institutions, and communities in addressing issues and implementing effective solutions. The CDCs now possess the practical experience and confidence to work independently to lead future community development efforts.
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Osakucha villagers work to complete road rehabilitation project in time for winter.
Photo Credit: CHF International |
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