By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has presented a budget estimate of N143. 65bn to the state House of Assembly for the 2021 fiscal year.

The budget, which is his last as the State Governor, is higher than the 2020 budget estimate of N137.1.

Presenting the budget at the state House of Assembly Complex in Awka on Tuesday, Obiano explained that the budget was premised on his determination to continue with on-going infrastructure development in the state, taking into consideration the external and internal revenue sources.

He said about the budget tagged, “Budget of Economic Recovery and Consolidation”: “The sum of N19.44bn will be spent on the construction of new roads as well as the rehabilitation of existing ones. This administration plans to complete over 50 on-going road projects in the three senatorial zones of the state, as well as construct more roads to open access to agricultural communities and boost food production in the state.”

The budget reflects a capital expenditure of N86.88bn (39.5%) and a recurrent expenditure of N56.77bn (60.5%) respectively.

A breakdown of the budget showed that a total of N5.8bn has been earmarked for the completion of the proposed Anambra International Airport, Umueri while N500m was captured for the completion of the International Conference Centre, Awka.

The sum of N500m was earmarked for the development of sports stadia in Awka, Ekwulobia and Otuocha, N6.8bn for Health, Education (N5bn), the Environment (N3.4bn), Agriculture the sum of N2.5bn and N1bn for Youth Empowerment.

In his speech, the Speaker, Hon. Uche Okafor, who presided over the plenary, hailed the governor for his steering performance in the state despite the economic challenges facing the country.

He gave assurance that the budget apart from being given quick attention will also be passed in good time.

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