The Delta State 2021 Appreciation Bill, otherwise known as Delta State 2021 Budget, has been read the third time and passed on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The passage of the bill was sequel to a motion to that effect by the House Leader, Hon Tim Owhefere, after the scrutiny of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the bill at the Committee of Supply, Chaired by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori.
The passed budget saw an increased of five point five billion naira from the original amount presented to it by the State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had on Tuesday, 27th October 2020, presented a proposed budget of three hundred and seventy eight point four billion naira, made up of one hundred and seventy one point three billion for recurrent expenditures and two hundred and seven point five billion naira for capital expenditures for the 2021 fiscal year.
Submitting the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon Festus Okoh, announced an increase of the amount to Three Hundred and Eighty Three point Ninety five billion naira.
This according to Hon Okoh, comprised of One Hundred and Seventy Three point One billion naira as recurrent expenditure and Two Hundred and Ten point Eight billion naira as capital expenditure.
The Lawmaker stated that the increase was necessitated by the need for budgetary provision for ongoing projects which were in 2020 budget but not captured in the 2021 proposed provisions.
Hon Okoh, explained that his Committee had taken time to scrutinized the various reports of the sub committees recommendations, together with the objectives of the budget as enumerated by the governor during the presentation.
Hon Okoh stated further that a careful evaluation of the submissions of the sub committees and provisions in the various heads and sub heads were carried out before returning the budget size to Three Hundred and Eighty Three point Ninety billion naira.
At the Committee of supply, the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation was subjected to further legislative actions where some amendments were proposed and adopted.
The motion for the third reading of the bill and its subsequent passage was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Tim Owhefere and unanimously adopted.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori commended members for their commitment towards making laws for peace, development and good governance of the state.
The House adjourned plenary to Tuesday next week.
