| as protesting workers
picket House
By Chris Ikwunze, Port-Harcourt
Saturday, November 6, 2004
The Rivers State government has presented a budget proposal
of N96.7 billion for the 2005 fiscal year. The projected revenue
represents 21.9% increase over last year revenue estimate
which stood at N79.4 billion.
The budget presentation by the governor was almost marred
by the protest of Rivers Traffic Marshalls who barricaded
the House of Assembly premises in protest of non-payment of
their salaries and allowances.
Presenting the budget christened "Budget of Consolidation
and Economic Sustenance," Governor Peter Odili said N32.1
billion would be spent on recurrent expenditure while the
capital receipts would take a lion share of N64.6 billion.
He said his state expects to receive N20 billion from statutory
allocation, N40 billion from 13% derivation fund, N4.5 billion
from VAT, while internally generated revenue will contribute
N20 billion.
Other revenue sources Odili said include revenue from ministries/parastatles
which would amount to N1.5 billion, dividends/privatization
(MOFI) N500 million, stabilization/NDC grants N2 billion,
Ecological fund N8 billion, proceeds from excess crude oil
fund-N250 million, and capital receipt, N250 million.
Sectorial breakdown of the capital expenditure shows that
the economic sector has the largest share of N25.3 billion
follows by general administration with N23.2 billion. Social
sector has N9.9 billion while the sum of N6.05 billion was
allocated to environmental sector.
Under the recurrent expenditure, salaries would consume the
sum of N14.4 billion, overheads N8.1 billion, consolidated
revenue fund changes N4. 2 billion, loan repayment N1.8 billion.
Proposed new employment N500m, and payment to contractors
N3.3 billion.
Odili said the budget was predicated on the imperative to
consolidate and sustain the social economic growth of the
state since economic activities can only thrive where there
is a viable infrastural foundation.
"As part of our commitment to lay a solid foundation
for the future, we shall complete all projects started by
the administration and we will not incur any debts that will
be passed on to our successors", the governors said.
While the protesting workers held sway, they vowed not to
allow the governor entrance until their three months salary
arrears were paid.
It took the efforts of Speaker, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and his
principal officers to get the Marshalls vacate the barricade
before the arrival of the governor, after he had pleaded with
them to give the House till Friday (yesterday) to look into
their grievances.
The Marshalls who were recruited and trained by the Rivers
Government to help control the chaotic traffic situation in
Port-Harcourt said they have not received any payment since
August when they were engaged.
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