Delta State Government has announced a review of the 2020 budget to reflect current economic realities occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this in Asaba while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.
Aniagwu said critical ministries would be required to take a look at the different projects being handled by them with a view to giving value to the people and ensuring that even beyond the COVID-19, the economy was kept safe and sound
He recalled that the state’s approved 2020 Budget of N395 billion was hinged on oil price benchmark of 57 dollars per barrel and other indices, but that with the present realities triggered by the drastic reduction in oil price in the international market and the lull in the global economy triggered largely by the COVID-19, the budget was no longer realistic.
The Commissioner said government was considering how to prune the size of the 2020 budget and re – prioritise the areas of interest, particularly with a view to dealing with that aspect of the budget that would enhance the welfare of the people
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Aniagwu explained that after the review, Exco would meet again to conclude the final reductions and the estimates after which the budget would be sent to the State Assembly for amendment.
He further stated that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, had directed that all appointees must at this critical time continue to interface with the people at the grassroots to understand their plight for the purpose of communicating same to government for intervention where necessary.
On the Covid – 19 index case recorded in the state on Tuesday, Aniagwu stated that the patient was receiving treatment and responding well, adding that 17 contacts with him had been successfully traced and had been asked to self-isolate.
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