Charles Soludo, Anambra State government has said that not less than N250 billion is needed to build critical infrastructure towards the realisation of the livable and prosperous homeland in the State.
Soludo made this comment on Thursday evening while signing into law the 2022 Revised appropriation budget of N170 billion tagged, “Building Off From The Blocks”.
While performing the ceremony, Soludo commended members of the House of Assembly for being “diligent, responsible and responsive to their job as lawmakers and representatives of the people of Anambra State”.
He lamented that the resources at Government disposal are abysmally lean as well as the earnings from the oil sector which has become so low.
Because of that reason, Soludo said the government was left with no options other than to ratchet up multiple strategies including taking a look at the trajectory of expenditure, introducing prudence in spending, among others.
He canvassed for stronger synergy between the legislative and other arms of government at all levels and reiterated that the patriotic and responsive manner Revised budget was passed by the State House of Assembly was not only commendable but signalled the birth of a new partnership for a greater Anambra
Soludo affirmed that there was no underhand dealings in signing the budget rather the process was conducted with intergrity, patriotism and responsiveness.
He lamented, however, that the resources at Government disposal are abysmally lean as well as the earnings from the oil sector which has become so low.
He also stated as part of the measures to improve government finances, efforts are also being made to digitize the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state to eliminate leakages
He further explained that in the interim, his administration has decided to borrow N100 billion naira, as Ndi Anambra cannot wait, emphasizing that not the whole amount will be spent this year.
He stated categorically that the borrowed money will be re-fenced and will be used for critical infrastructural development particularly in building roads, bridges etc. He again reiterated that there will be absolute prudence in making sure Ndi Anambra gets value for the money borrowed adding that every kobo will be judiciously used to create wealth that will benefit the people of the state
The Governor therefore thanked the Speaker and the House members for understanding the exigencies to approve the plan to borrow, and “promised Ndi Anambra the money will be spent on critical infrastructure, particularly on roads, bridges, flyover, among other strategic places,”
While assuring of implementing the budget within the cash flow, the Governor pointed out that his administration is currently cleaning up the state wage bill and the payroll system.
Soludo said: “I thank Ndi Anambra for their support and sacrifices through payment of their fair share of taxes and others. For people who have violated public order such as indiscriminate building of illegal structures, we say enough is enough. These are necessary, painful steps that we must take to rescue our state”.
The Commissioner for Budget, Ms. Chiamaka Nnake and Special Adviser to the Governor on House of Assembly Matters, Chief Anayo Nnebe appreciated the members for doing a good job on the budget.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Hon Nnamdi Okafor, House Majority Leader, members of the Anambra State Executive Council including Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, President General of Anambra State Association of Town Union, Barrister Titus Akpudo, Mr Chris Azor, representative of the civil societies among others were present at the ceremony#