AFUZE – The Owan East Local Government Area of Edo has proposed to spend N3.3 billion for the 2014 fiscal year, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The Chairman of the council, Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, presented the 2014 budget proposal before the council legislative arm on Wednesday.
The 2014 budget is N425 million more than the 2013 budget which was N2.6 billion.
Capital expenditure was allocated the lion share of N1.9 billion, representing 65 per cent against recurrent expenditure of N1.1 billion which represented 35 per cent.
Christened “Budget of Consolidation,” Ijegbai said the 2014 budget was designed to consolidate and improve on the achievements of his administration in 2013.
The council boss said that the aim was geared towards restoring confidence of the people towards governance.
He said the major highlights of the budget included the provision of electricity and agricultural inputs, water, health and infrastructure development and prompt payment of salaries and pension.
Ijegbai said that the major focus of the budget was how to boost the council’s internally-generated revenue.
He hinted that the council would soon embark on massive construction of new market stalls and the renovation of existing ones.
Ijegbai also said additional rural roads would be open up to promote and facilitate accessibility, economic growth, transportation of goods and services among communities.
He recalled that in 2013 fiscal year, the council recorded great achievements in the education sector with the construction and renovation of over 17 primary schools spread across 11 wards of the council.
“We also equipped these newly constructed and renovated 51 classrooms with benches and desks.
“It may also interest you to note that we have also distributed 90, 000 exercise books to all pupils free of charge.
“In the 2014 fiscal year, we shall continue to improve and sustain this developmental stride by extending same gesture to areas that are yet to benefit,’’ he said.
Ijegbai said the provision of qualitative education and a conducive environment to the people in the local government area.
While commending the chairman on his achievements in his first year in office, the council’s legislative arm promised to ensure quick consideration and passage of the 2014 appropriation bill.
The leader of the House, Mr Hilary Ozogo, said the councillors were prepared to do the needful to ensure improved living standard for the citizens. (NAN)
