by Usman Alabi
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday presented the 2017 budget of N813 billion to the state House of Assembly.
The budget, tagged “Golden Jubilee Budget” coincides with the state’s 50th anniversary. Recurrent expenditure in the budget is N300.535 billion representing 37% of the budget, while the capital expenditure is N512.464 billion representing 63% of the budget.
The governor said that large part of the budget would be expended on road construction and rehabilitation.
He listed some of the road projects to include Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road from Oshodi, Agric-Isawo-Owotu-Arepo road in Ikorodu, Igbe-Igbogbo Phase II, Bola Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, Ijegun Imore Phase II Amuwo in Ojo axis, Oke-Oso-Araga-Poka in Epe, Epe-Poka-Mojoda in the Epe axis and the completion of the Abule-Egba, Ajah and Pen Cinema Flyovers. “
“In the course of the 2017 Financial Year, we shall carry out fundamental reforms on all our modes of transportation- Roads, Water and the Walkways. In this wise, a Public Transport Infrastructure Bond will be issued in the course of the year
“The State Government will embark on the Ubanization of the Marina axis Waterways Channelization, establishment of more Parks and Gardens as well as the Community Sports Centres and Stadiums in different locations across the State.
“We will fully implement the Medical Health Insurance Scheme and deploy e-Health/e-insurance Health Service solutions, and complete the on-going upgrading and extension work in the State General Hospitals and Ayinke House in Ikeja.
Ambode also added that work would commence on the state’s medical park in 2017 fiscal year.
Let us have your take on this budget, what do you think about the governor’s attention to road infrastructure?