Delta 2019 Budget Defence: Ministry of Urban Renewal Declares 32% Budget Performance in 2018, Proposes N1bn for 2019

The Delta State Ministry of Urban Renewal has disclosed that it recorded 32% budget performance in 2018.

The Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Chief Julius Takeme disclosed this when he led top officials of the Ministry to defend the Ministry’s 2019 budget estimate before the Hon Oboro Preyor led Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Urban Renewal.

Chief Takeme told the Lawmakers that the Ministry was provided N1.5bn in 2018 but only got N500m.

He said the amount was the total release for payments of projects executed which amounts to 32.78% performance.

Chief Takeme who gave a breakdown of the 2018 budget performance as regards areas of expenditures, disclosed that N3.4m was generated through Tender Fees by the Ministry as at 5th November 2018.

The Commissioner revealed that, the Ministry has an outstanding commitment of N4.1bn from 2016 to date, expressing optimism that the outstanding would be accommodated in the 2019 budget.

Chief Takeme disclosed that the Ministry was given a cap of N1bn for new capital projects in 2019, stressing that 13 areas have been penciled down for attention in 2019 fiscal year.

He commended the committee for the support and solicited for sustained cooperation between the Ministry and the Delta State House of Assembly.

Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Urban Renewal, Led by Hon Oboro Preyor

The Chairman, House Committee on Urban Renewal, Hon Oboro Preyor reminded the officials of the Fiscal Responsibility and Delta State Procurement Laws, and advised against spendings that were not appropriated for in the appropriation law of course the state government.

Hon Preyor who represents Bomadi Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader of the House, promised the committee’s continued synergy with the Ministry for optimal results.

The Lawmaker also assured that the committee will look into documents submitted to it and made it inputs, taking cognizance of goals and objectives of the Okowa administration.

Other members of the committee including Hon Emeke Nwaobi, Anthony Elekeokwuri and Azuka Azaka charged the Ministry to be more committed to its responsibilities to the State for enhanced performance.