The N378.4 billion Delta State Appropriation Bill 2021 has scaled the second reading on the floor of the House of Assembly.
The House Majority Leader, Tim Owhefere led debate on the bill at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori.
Hon Owhefere, Isoko North, described the 2021 appropriation bill tagged “Budget of Recovery” as realistic, saying that “the import and intendment of the bill is very explicit”.
The Lawmaker noted that if passed, signed into law and implemented, the budget would accelerate infrastructural development, hasten recovery process of the effects of Covid-19 pandemic, galvanize the social welfare of the people and enhance health care delivery in the state, among others.
Owhefere explained that the N378.4 billion budget will take care of projects that will impact on the wellbeing of Deltans, as well as aid other development activities in the state.
The Deputy Speaker, Christopher Ochor, and other leaders of the house hailed the appropriation, and noted that it is in tandem with the reality of the times and commended its flexibility.
The legislators further stated that the budget is well articulated, targeted towards development of key infrastructure, job and wealth creation, as well as implementation of other people-oriented policies of the Okowa administration. They also expressed satisfaction that provisions were made for the completion of ongoing projects and the commencement of new ones.
While commending the robust debate on the bill, the Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori, referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation and the standing committees for further legislative actions.
The Finance and Appropriation Committee is expected to submit its report on the bill on November 10 when the house will reconvene for plenary.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had on Tuesday, presented the proposed budget of N378.4 billion for Delta State in the 2021 fiscal year.
N171.3 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditures, while N207.5 billion was projected for capital expenditures.