Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, said on Tuesday that the state 2014 budget recorded 67 percent performance in the first quarter (January to March).
The state 2014 budget is N489.69 billion and is focused at the completion of ongoing projects with few new projects to be undertaken.
Fashola after the first quarter review of the budget said 67 percent performance was a marked improvement over that of 2013 which was 61 percent, noting that “if this is any indication of what will happen this year, it will mean that we should expect a better overall performance than last year’s 85 percent.
“And for us to improve on the budget performance against this period last year, it defines the character of this government to deliver on its promises,” he said.
On infrastructure in the state, he said, “The general infrastructure deficit in Lagos will take some time to bridge. And one doesn’t provide infrastructure in a vacuum; it is meant for the people. We haven’t had a population deficit.
“Population hasn’t slowed down; it is quite a battle ahead. Many more classrooms, more rails, ferry terminals and also understand that these are depreciable assets. As one builds then you maintain them. Some of the roads we are repairing today were built 30 years ago. It is an ongoing thing. Every nation must continue to undertake this.
“Nothing is different, is work that never finishes. You know the infrastructural changes that are taking place to drive your phone, android and others. The needs of the people are changing and the designs have to change.
“That was why we opened the right of way for the benefit of the people. Development comes from different sources, they come from internally generated revenue and they also come from the federation account and this has dropped by about 25 percent since last year. Things aren’t the same way they used to be. It is a question of what Lagosians want to buy and not whether they have paid enough, what services do they want. If what we hear outside is anything to go by, first of all, it is important to salute them on the choice they make.”
Ben Akabueze, commissioner for budget and economic planning, speaking also, said that the government has shown capacity to deliver on its promises, adding that the current budget does not envisage a deficit, and is solely dependent on revenue. He said that the budget capital expenditure stands at fifty-one percent.
JOSHUA BASSEY
