By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has presented a budget proposal of N139,357,144,980.38 for the 2023 fiscal year.
Laying the Appropriation Bill before the State House of Assembly he said the budget consists of N77,650,642,030.85 only as recurrent expenditure representing 55.72 per cent of the total budget, and N61,706,502,949.53 as capital component, which represents 44.27 per cent of the total budget.
Lalong added that the budget shows an increase of N32,649,877,338.26 from the 2022 approved budget.
According to him, 2023 budget estimate tagged, “Budget of Infrastructural Consolidation and Transition” will focus on completing major projects of the Rescue Administration and ensuring that government machinery continues to operate in a most efficient and productive manner.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, you will recall that having completed many inherited and abandoned projects from previous administrations, this government initiated many projects many which have been completed. Among them are the Legacy Projects comprising of world standard schools and hospitals spread across the 17 local government areas of the state. Although the Legacy Project suffered a setback as result of the failure of the previous contractor to deliver the project within agreed timelines, I am happy to say that the project having been terminated has been re-awarded to a new contractor and advance payment made. The contractor is to to complete the project for commissioning before the end of this administration”.
Other projects which are being completed and will soon be commissioned according to the governor, include the Plateau High Court of Justice Complex which is more than 95 per cent completed and currently being furnished.
“Also, the British American Junction Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Road Junction will be completed and commissioned before the lifespan of this administration.
“The General Hospital Mabudi, Langtang South Local Government and General Hospital Kwall, Kanke Local Government are equally being furnished and will soon be commissioned.
“Similarly, the completed Shendam internal roads and bridges as well as the Angwan Dadi – Kalong Bridge (being the longest bridge in Plateau State) will also be commissioned soon. Others include the Potato Value Chain Processing Centres in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi, Riyom Water Works among others,” Lalong said.
He said the Rescue Administration will continue to operate under a prudent, accountable, and transparent manner in line with the commitment to give value for money and improve the lives of the citizens.
While urging the Assembly to give the proposed budget desired attention, the governor said he has already directed all heads of MDAs to fully cooperate and make themselves available for the defence of the budget as well as provide necessary details that may be required.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the House will give the budget all necessary attention in order to ensure its passage into law for the good of the citizens.
He added that the accelerated passage of the Budget after all the legislative process, will also demonstrate their continued partnership with the executive in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.
Sanda advised heads of MDAs to cooperate with the House by appearing promptly to defend their estimates.
Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency, Yusuf Gagdi, APC State Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature were among dignitaries that graced the budget presentation.
