ITU LG BUDGETS 2.2BILLION NAIRA FOR 2021 FISCAL YEAR
By Unyimeobong Ikpe
Itu Local Government Council has proposed a budget outlay of two billion, two hundred and eleven thousand naira for the 2021 fiscal year.
Out of that amount one billion, seven hundred and seventy – five naira is for recurrent expenditure while four hundred and thirty – six million naira is allocated for capital expenditure.
Presenting the 2021 Appropriation Bill to Itu Local Government Legislative Council, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Etetim Onuk, said this year’s budget was premised on the eight – point agenda of the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
According to Barr. Onuk, the economic sector comprising Agriculture, manufacturing, power, commerce, transport and tourism would gulp two hundred and twenty – seven million naira while the sum of one hundred and sixty – six million naira was allocated to the social sector comprising Education, Health, Information, Social development, Youth, Culture and Community development.
Similarly, the sum of fifty – one million naira was allocated to Environment and Regional development sector comprising Water resources, Sewage, Refuse disposal and Drainage, Town and country planning as well as Housing. General Administration was allocated the sum of two hundred and eighty – seven million naira.
Barr. Onuk who christened the 2021 budget as ” The Budget of Hope and Fulfillment ” said with the presentation of the 2021 Appropriation Bill, the Local Government was more determined to speed up the development of the council area.
Giving an appraisal of the performance of the 2020 Budget, the Local Government Chairman said despite the COVID – 19 pandemic, the 2020 budget of two million, three hundred and twenty – one naira was religiously implemented, such that ninety percent of the recurrent budget was achieved.
Barr. Onuk attributed the success of the 2020 budget to the cooperation and support of the Legislative Council, and therefore appealed to the Councillors to subject the 2021 Appropriation Bill to an accelerated legislative process. 
He expressed optimism that the 2021 Budget would quicken the desired development of Itu Local Government area and consequently improve on the standard of living of the people.
In his remarks, the Leader of Itu Legislative Council, Honourable Favour Ubaha thanked the Executive Chairman for the presentation and assured him that the house will swing into prompt action to ensure the bill is passed.
