By V. AL-PEA
On Tuesday 20th December 2011 the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Da Jonah David Jang presented a budget proposal of over 112 billion naira for the 2012 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The budget, which was tagged ‘Budget of Continuity and Inclusive Growth II’, contained a proposed capital expenditure of over 67 billion naira with a recurrent expenditure of 44.3 billion naira.
The budget is another phase in the process of implementing developmental goals as outlined in the Ten Point Agenda of his administration, which is anchored on the Three Pillar Policy of human resource development, infrastructural development and financing options.
In the education sector, 15 secondary schools, five in each of the three senatorial zones are funded with five billion naira each. In the health sector, six separate multi-million projects, such as the first phase of a new specialist hospital in Barkin Ladi local government area, receive two billion naira. The completion of ongoing road projects, which include Old Airport junction, Rayfield Bukuru road to Dogo Karfe and ten other major roads, will consume over seven billion naira.
While Operation Rainbow receives 1.6 billion Naira, the Nigerian Standard newspaper is to receive 250 million naira for the procurement of new printing presses. Meanwhile, 1.5 billion naira is for the completion of the abandoned stadium at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Way, Jos.
While 300 million naira was allocated for fertilizer subsidy, 500 million naira allotted for 50 tractors, which are to go to the three Agricultural Services and Training Centers (ASTC). At the same time, three million naira was budgeted to fund the electrification of 25 towns and villages.
John Clarke Dabwan promised that the House will take up the budget bill and give it prompt attention.