Fides Media Living the Faith
By Abuchi Onwumelu
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has presented a budget proposal of one hundred and thirty-seven point one billion Naira for the 2020 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The theme of the budget is “Accelerating Infrastructure Development and Youth Entrepreneurship”.
The recurrent expenditure is projected to take forty-three percent translating to fifty-eight point six-nine billion Naira, the remaining fifty-seven percent, amounting to seventy-eight point three billion Naira is for capital expenditure.
While roads and bridges are expected to gulp twenty-two point two billion Naira to complete the over one hundred and sixty ongoing roads and construct new ones, six billion Naira has been allocated to Anambra International Cargo Airport Project. One point one billion naira for ARMA, three point four billion Naira for agriculture and other related sectors.
While education was expected to gulp eight point three billion Naira, Environment was projected to take two point nine billion Naira, as well as two point two-six-five billion Naira for youth empowerment and creative economy.
The health sector was equally expected to take six point nine-eight billion Naira, while water resources and public utilities are estimated to take three point seven-five billion Naira, among others.
Obiano said the budgetary allocations would facilitate the intended improvement in infrastructure in Anambra State and reassured that the state would continue to maintain its status as a hub for business and a destination for new investments.
Highlighting the level of implementation of the 2019 budget, themed “Economic Diversification, Job creation and Value for Money”, Governor Obiano said his administration achieved eighty five percent implementation, hoping to improve to ninety percent by the end of the present fiscal year.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Okafor, said the 2020 budget would receive immediate attention, stressing that the genuine needs of Ndi Anambra would be brought to bear during the budget debate, assuring of the State Assembly’s commitment to partnering with other arms of government.
In their separate speeches, the member representing Njikoka II State Constituency, Hon. Sir Dr. Pete Ibida (Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters) and his Aguata I counterpart, Hon. Dr. Cater Dike Nnamdi Umeh (Chairman, House Committee on Health), corroborated the Speaker’s stance and pledged to contribute their quota in ensuring that the budget received utmost attention they said it deserved.
Members of the State Executive Council, including the Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Primus Odili; among others, attended the budget presentation.
Fides reports that with the presentation, Governor Obiano becomes the first Governor to present his budget estimate for the 2020 fiscal year.