Abstract:
The major characteristics of most developing countries are large expanse of land and communities located at intervals whose inhabitants are often peasant farmers living below subsistence level. These areas are marked by lack of basic infrastructures like road networks, telecommunications, railways, electricity etc . It is possible to see high tension towers traversing these rural settings without any rural distribution networks that will provide efficient and reliable electric power supply to the inhabitants. Where the networks are in existence, power supply availability is most times occasional with other attendant numerous problems associated with such electrification . The extension of transmission and distribution of works facilities like high tension and low tension poles, transformers, electric conductors and other accessories to the communities living in rural areas for the purposes of providing electric power supply for utilization in these areas in Igena is what we now refer to as rural electrification projects in the community. This research work was carefully selected for the obvious objectives of rural electrification programme which includes increasing agricultural productivity by means of adequate irrigations and easy mechanization, making the processing of agricultural products and preservation of primary crops easy, promoting rural industries which would generally assist in raising the standard of living of the rural community and reducing migration from rural to urban areas by making it possible to bring to the rural population entertainment, enlightenment and communication facilities which constitute the main attractions to urban areas. The research therefore highlights the appraisal of projects managed in Enugu State with emphasis on those factors that affect the management of these projects and their implications. The key framework for the project appraisals were highlighted to include the need to have access to right information , good project leadership and the need to involve the beneficiaries from the initiation stage. A glossary of issues ranging from financial con traits to social order was considered and opinions sought Tom the general public before a number of recommendations were made. We do hope that these recommendations, if implemented, will assist to a large extent, the management of projects in Enugu State.
